Pre-Hellenic to Hellenistic Art: A Historical Overview
Pre-Hellenic Art
Common Characteristics
- Representative buildings: Palaces and cities.
- Post and lintel system architecture.
- Main architectural element: The column.
- Polychromy in all artistic events.
- Inspiration from nature, animals, and plants.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Greek Culture
The Greek culture was essentially Mediterranean, with a tendency towards definition and clarity of forms in art. The mountainous terrain of Greece drove the Greeks to expand into the Mediterranean Sea for trade and colonization. This expansion made Greek culture eclectic.
The Polis
A new form of political organization emerged: the polis. Laws and institutions replaced the sovereign will of individuals. This form of government called for public spaces for common activities.
Humanism
Humanism was central to Greek culture. Man was the measure of all things, no longer subject to any external power or hierarchical religion. Greece was the birthplace of philosophy and rational thought. Greeks used observation and reason to explain nature and extract principles and standards.
Religion
The Greek religion was a cohesive element in the city and the Hellenic world. Major religious ceremonies, like the Panathenaia and the Olympics, were acts of affirmation and belonging to a common group.
Art and Beauty
The concept of art as the search for beauty was born in Greece. Until this time, there wasn’t an ideal of beauty separate from magical or religious functions, as in Mesopotamia or Egypt.
Archaic Period
Consolidation of the Polis
This period saw the consolidation of the polis. The concept of Areté (virtue, excellence) was unique to the privileged classes, who were portrayed in art. Excellence implied serenity and self-balance. People were sure of themselves; the Aristos (best) were above the rest.
External Influences
There were contacts with other civilizations: Egypt and the Orient, which influenced Greek art. Philosophy and the arts were consolidated, separating religion from science. Man was the measure of all things. There was no single leading style, as cities struggled to excel, resulting in diverse artistic quality. Athletes were considered heroes of the polis and winners were entitled to be represented in art.
Classical Period
Trade and Contact
Intense trade and contact between the Mediterranean metropolis and the colonies led to discoveries like the Riace bronzes, found in shipwrecks. Athletes were still considered heroes and winners were represented in art, as seen in works like Discobolus or Diadumen.
The Golden Age of Athens
Greece, especially Athens, reached its splendor. The climax came with the victory against the Persians under Pericles. This was the victory of democracy and the people, not just the aristocrats. The Acropolis, destroyed during the war, was reconstructed with the best artists, creating the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
The Delian League
Athens formed the Delian League for future defense. Financial resources were used for the embellishment of the league’s cities. Athens sought to impose its model (canon) of balance, beauty, moderation, and human-scale art everywhere.
Hellenistic Period
Alexander the Great’s Legacy
With Alexander the Great’s death, Greece’s revival and leadership ended. His successors divided his empire. Kings and tyrants of these cities sought to establish lasting dynasties through successful campaigns and grand artistic buildings like the Altar of Zeus.
Eastern Influence
Cities were strongly influenced by Eastern styles, embracing luxury, exuberance, and ornamentation, as seen in Laocoön.
Relationship with Rome
Close relations developed between Greece and Rome, with Romans collecting Greek art. Many copies of Greek works were made, such as Laocoön. The demand for copies often led to Neo-Attic art, which copied the Classical Athenian style, like the Boy with a Thorn.
Cultural Exchange and Conflict
Alexander’s empire extended to India, fostering a taste for different cultures and customs. Cities were often in conflict with each other and with enemies like the Galatians, as depicted in the Dying Gaul. There was a realistic depiction of details, even those considered unpleasant, like blood and veins, as well as anecdotal subjects, like the Boy with a Thorn.