Greek Sculpture: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Periods
Archaic Period (Until the 5th Century BC)
Sculptures from this period are characterized by their rigidity (hieratic) and geometric schemata. Initially, “block statues” adhered to the law of frontality and perfect balance based on geometric symmetry. However, around the 6th century BC, sculptures began to lose their rigidity, and a more naturalistic anatomical study with milder forms emerged.
Early Archaic faces followed a distinct pattern: an artificial smile, triangular hair arranged in geometric patterns, and almond-shaped eyes. Towards the end of this period, faces became more serene.
Key Works:
- Kouros: Images of naked athletes and gods.
- Kore: Female figures dressed in either Ionian fashion (pleated tunic and mantle) or Dorian fashion (with a peplos, a square piece gathered on the shoulders). Despite the clothing, the sculptures reveal the female anatomy, suggesting they represent priestesses.
Classical Period (5th Century BC to Late 4th Century BC)
Greek artists developed a system of aesthetic values focused on achieving great perfection. They drew inspiration from the observation of nature, recognizing that natural forms possess varying degrees of beauty. This observation led them to analyze beautiful forms and establish rules or norms that govern the beauty of things. They discovered that beautiful things are:
- Balanced: Their shapes and masses are distributed following certain axes of symmetry. There is also a balance between body and spirit, resulting in serenity. However, the figures could appear cold and lacking vitality.
- Proportionate: The parts of the sculpture maintain a specific relationship with each other and the whole. Artists used mathematical principles to determine these proportions.
- Harmonious: The internal order of natural beauty is governed by a rhythm. Everything is in its rightful place and fulfills its function, all governed by a universal intelligence that brings order and serenity to the primitive chaos of nature.
This mature concept of beauty transcended the physical. While human imperfection could never fully attain it, the pursuit of beauty allowed humans to approach its contemplation and enjoyment. Greek artists aimed to approach ideal beauty through the contemplation and analysis of the natural world.
In just over two centuries, the Greeks established an ideal of beauty that has remained influential to this day.
Key Works:
Notable works from this period include the reliefs of Olympia (the “Labors of Hercules”), the pediment of Aegina (the “Fallen Warrior”), the Charioteer of Delphi, Zeus of Artemision, and the Tyrannicides. These sculptures are flexible and highly complex in composition, although their movements are calculated and somewhat cold. The lost-wax bronze casting technique was developed during this time, influencing marble creations.
Hellenistic Period (Late 4th Century BC until the Roman Conquest – 2nd Century BC)
A new aesthetic model emerged, emphasizing a more vital and passionate approach to art. Art should imitate nature as it is presented to us. The line between beautiful and ugly blurred, as both are natural and should be represented in art. The portrait gained prominence.
Classical art evolved into a more dynamic and passionate style, reflecting the complexities of nature. Four main schools emerged: Athens, Rhodes, Pergamon, and Alexandria. The Tanagra figurines are also significant from this period.
Key Works:
Numerous examples have survived, often in the form of Roman marble copies. These include the Laocoön and His Sons group, the Farnese Bull group, the Dying Gaul, royal portraits, and the Venus de Milo.