Lecture Notes: Evolution of Grave Markers and Theater in Ancient Greece

Evolution of Grave Markers

• Ancient Greece Grave Markers:

  • Started with giant ceramic pots.
  • Evolved to Kouros figures.
  • By 400 BCE, evolved to something resembling modern headstones.
  • Reflected changes in artistic taste and practicality (space-saving).

• Head Gayso Stele:

  • Stele: Free-standing relief sculpture, primarily illustrated on the front.
  • Example: A couple of feet high and wide, brightly painted with family name.
  • Notable: The woman’s name is missing, only referred to as “daughter of Proxinos.”
  • Indicates societal values and gender roles in ancient Greece.

• Narrative and Iconography:

  • Depicts two female figures, with a central box held by one.
  • Questions raised about identity and relationships within the imagery.

Late Classic Period and Human Form

• Evolution in Human Form:
  • Increasing precision and beautiful rendering of the human form.
  • Limited time to cover innovations in theater, but Greek contributions are foundational.

Greek Theater Design

• Greek Amphitheater:
  • Example: Stone amphitheater built into a hillside, unsupported by itself.
  • Design influences modern theater architecture.
  • Will explore further in the context of Roman innovations.

Analysis of a Grave Stele

• Style, Technique, and Iconography:
  • Period: Greek Classic
  • Technique: Marble relief, identified as a stele.
  • Grave stele often help understand narratives through posture, gestures, and gaze.
  • Example: Depicts a deceased young man, with an elder (father/uncle) and a sad child (son/brother).
  • Emotional expressions used to convey narrative and relationships.

Famous Greek Sculpture: Heracles by Lysippos

• Heracles (Farnese Heracles):
  • Artist: Lysippos
  • Notable for depicting Heracles as weary after completing his trials.
  • Roman copy of a Greek bronze original.
  • Details: Golden fleece, lion head, contrapposto stance.
  • Emotional expression: Furrowed brow, downward gaze, expressionless mouth.
  • Importance of viewing in person for detail appreciation.
  • Humanization of a god figure: Tired, leaning on a support after immense labor.
  • Sculpture requires 360-degree viewing for full understanding.

Transition to Alexander the Great's Era

• Alexander the Great:
  • Period of turmoil and turnover.
  • Known for unified image (face on coins, mosaics, sculpture).
  • Hired same artist to create likeness for consistency across Greek world.
  • Despite his efforts, his reign was short-lived but impactful.