One of the many aspects
of Greek history is the expression of the time period in artwork and architecture.
Art forms consisted mostly of sculptures made from marble and limestone. Both
marble and limestone, however when burned, will turn into lime, which is used
in cement. Greek sculpture was valued very little during the Middle Ages, and
a lot of it was burned in lime kilns to make cement. These sculptures were mainly
of human bodies, and representations of the known Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes.
There were essentially seven periods of differing styles of sculpture. The Stone
Age, Bronze Age, Dark Age, Archaic, Severe, Classical, and Hellenistic styles.
Architecture was also influenced by these time periods.
Venus of Willendorf
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The sculptures of
the Stone Age were mainly small figurines made out of clay, representing
the mother earth. These statues were about ten inches tall and were very
fat. The women were fashioned to have large thighs and breasts. It was
believed that these statues, or charms helped crops to grow.
The Bronze Age was
separated into three different periods, the Early Bronze Age (2400-1600
BC), the Middle Bronze Age (1600-1200 BC), and the Late Bronze Age (1200-600
BC). Between 1700 and 1450 BC the Minoans created small figurines made
of metal and ivory. Many show women holding snakes. It is common thought
that these represent a particular goddess or priestess. Other figures
show gradual and graceful movement, tied in with nature. Cows and bulls
were also popular subjects for these figures.
The Dark Age presented
hard times for the Greeks. They could not afford to make large statues,
but did make smaller figures. Many of these smaller sculptures were made
out of bronze. Most of these were offered as gifts for the Gods.
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The Archaic time period
was the beginning of the Greeks making the large statues and representations
of Gods and humans that they are so famous for. The Greeks learned the art of
statue making from the Egyptians. The Egyptians would often use a triangle for
the face and two upside down triangles for hair. They would place one foot in
front of the other to help balance the statues, and so that they could stand
freely on their own. The Greeks adopted the idea of the foot placement in their
own sculptures. However, their sculptures were mainly of men and unlike the
Egyptians, were never clothed. The Greeks thought that the male body was sacred,
and that the Gods liked to see them. The Archaic style of sculpture was very
blocky and stiff. All of the sculptures had the same expression and hardly any
emotion was ever shown. These figures were suspended and did not show any true
to life action.
The Severe time period
produced very few changes for sculpture. In this style, sculptures were given
a little more emotion and began to perform real life activities, such as spear
throwing and chariot driving.
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Metope from the Parthenon
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Sculptors
began to want to honor the Gods by expressing the beauty of the human body.
Young and athletic men were the main subjects of classical sculpture. At
this time women were not shown without clothes. The classical movement centered
mainly on heavy details. Models wore soaking wet clothing so the sculptor
could see every fold of the fabric. These sculptures show a much lighter
and realistic representation, then the archaic or severe styles. Subtle
movement was also incorporated into the works in this time period.
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Heavy emotion and movement
were shown in the works of art in the Hellenistic style. Pain and fear were
shown on the faces of the figures and battle scenes where even carved into relief
sculptures for temples. The human body was captured in an s- curve, where the
body rests the weight more on one foot and hip instead of the feet being placed
awkwardly one in front of the other. They were no longer limited to blocky,
and unemotional figures. Some were said to have been so realistic that men would
fall in love with the statues of the women. There is even a myth that tells
of a man who creates a sculpture of the perfect woman and falls in love with
his creation. Aphrodite was so touched by his devotion that she brought the
statue to life for him.
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Doric Column
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Greek
architecture is well known as the beautiful temples raised to glorify the
Gods and Goddesses. There were three orders in Greek architecture, the Doric
order, Ionic order and the Corinthian order. Temples consist of many parts.
Some of the basic elements include the stylobate, which is the flat platform
that is the base for the temple. The stylobate supports the columns, it
is similar to a "floor". The plinth is at the very base of the columns.
It is usually a square or round block that is directly above the stylobate
and supports the base of the column. The shaft of the column rests on top
of the base. It is the main body of the column. The columns support the
capital, which concentrates the weight of the entablature on the shaft and
is also used for visual aestheticism. In the Doric order, the capital is
made up of three parts, the necking, the echinus, and the abacus. The necking
is actually a continuation of the shaft, but is given more |
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narrow grooves. The echinus is a circular block that supports the abacus.
The abacus supports the entablature and moves its weight to the column below.
The entablature is made up of three horizontal areas distinguished by moldings,
relief sculptures, and bands. These three parts are the architrave, frieze,
and cornice. The Doric order is comparative to archaic sculpture. It is
heavy, and blocky. The shaft is tapered only very slightly, and does not
rest on a base, it rests directly on the stylobate. The capital, or top
of the column's shaft is very plain and blockish in nature. The Ionic order
has more flutes on the shaft, has scrolls ornating the capital, and holds
ornamental carved bands in the frieze. The Corinthian order is the most
recognizable order. It is known for its highly detailed capitals. Most are
decorated with leaves and scrolls, but some even have relief details of
faces. Caryatids are another form of column. They are actually enormous
statues carved to represent goddesses and are used as columns to support
a temple. |
Ionic Column
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Corinthian Column
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The
Erechtheum is a temple from the classical period built to glorify Athena,
Polias, Poseidon, and Erechtheus. The building has for porticos, which are
similar to porches. These porticos face North, South, East and West. The
Portico to the south is known as the Porch of the Caryatids. The portico
has six sculptures of female figures that support the entablature. One of
the east columns and one of the caryatids were removed and taken to London.
Replicas were put in place of the originals. Ancient Greek art and architecture
are well known, but there are a lot of things that many people don't know.
There are many different aspects, that when are put together create wonderful
and ingenious art. Sculpture was the one of the main art forms in Ancient
Greece, but it was not the only one. Pottery was also a popular art form.
Most pottery was back and red, or orange in color, and portrayed stories
or myths. The Ancient Greeks spent many years perfecting their sculptures
and modifying their architecture. Their results are their culture, and a
part of our history. |