The Evolution of Ancient Greek Art and Sculpture Periods

Ancient Greek Civilization and Art History

Hellas is a civilization located spatially in the Hellenic Peninsula, Asia Minor, and the Aegean islands. The chronology runs from the 15th century BC to beyond the 4th century BC. During this long period, Hellas underwent significant variations from social, political, economic, and, of course, artistic standpoints.

Chronology of Hellas

The historical development of Hellas includes several key periods:

• Dark Ages: Characterized by the writings of Homer and historical records leading to Crete and Mycenae.
• Archaic Period: The foundational pillars of the civilization were established in all senses.
• Classical Age of Greece: The peak period of cultural and political development.
• Hellenistic Period: Marked by the emergence of Alexander the Great and his vast empire, which profoundly influenced the resulting art.

Core Influences on Greek Art

The artistic field was influenced by several defining cultural characteristics:

• Anthropocentric Culture: Man was considered the measure of all things.
• Political Organization: Society was organized into *poleis* (independent city-states), with Athens being particularly prominent.
• Rational Thought: Thinking was entirely rational, leading to the birth of philosophy.
• Religion: Very important, known through myth, and non-dogmatic.
• Aesthetic Focus: Beauty, proportion, and measure were key concepts. "Man is the measure of the axis and art," though the figures were often slightly idealized.
• Materials: Essential materials were stone and bronze, although wood, terracotta, gold, and ivory were also used.

Stages of Greek Sculpture

In terms of artistic evolution, we can differentiate various stages of sculpture:

Archaic Stage

This stage focused on two main types of sculpture: the Kouros (standing male youth) and the Kore (standing draped female youth), characterized by their rigid posture and the archaic smile.

Classical Stage (5th Century BC)

Most statues from this period are known today primarily through Roman copies.

• Early Classical (Severe Style): Developed in the first half of the 5th century BC. Key figure: Myron, a sculptor and bronze-smith belonging to the Argive school. His most famous work is the Discobolus (The Discus Thrower).
• High Classical: In the second half of the 5th century BC, archaic conventions were dropped, leading to greater naturalism. Key figures include:
  • Phidias: Director of the Parthenon works, known for the pediments and the *chryselephantine* statue of Athena.
  • Polyclitus: Developed the Canon of 7 heads, highlighting works like the Doryphoros and the Diadumenos.

4th Century BC Sculpture

This period saw a shift toward greater emotional expression and slenderness. Key figures include:

• Praxiteles: Highlighting works such as *Hermes with the Infant Dionysus*.
• Lysippus: Established the new canon of 8 heads, highlighting the Apoxyomenos (The Scraper).

Hellenistic Period

This period is characterized by intense realism, dramatic expression, and movement. Hellenistic art is studied through regional schools, including:

• Rhodes
• Pergamon
• Alexandria