Guide ancient greek sculpture

Ancient Greece and Etruria

By ejray
  • Period: 900 BCE to 323 BCE

    Ancient Greek Art

    Ancient Greek art falls under the context of the Geometric Period(900-700 BCE), Archaic Period(700-480 BCE), Classical Period(480-323 BCE), and the Late Classical Period(400-323). In which different artistic forms such as Geometric designs, Naturalistic forms, idealized forms of human beauty, as well as more focus on emotion and capturing a persons true self.
  • Period: 800 BCE to 100 BCE

    Etruscan Art

    Ranging from 800-100 BCE the Etruscan period was known for it's rich culture and vibrancy in it's art. Etruscan sculptures made their work with warmth, movement, and emotional expression. They were influenced by Greek art but they still made their own style, using new mediums and stylistic approaches.
  • Cylindrical container (pyxis) and lid Late Geometric Period 760–740 BCE 9.25” ht Museum of Fine Art, Boston
    740 BCE

    Cylindrical container (pyxis) and lid Late Geometric Period 760–740 BCE 9.25” ht Museum of Fine Art, Boston

    This container was created during the Geometrical Period. The characteristics of the Geometrical Period become apparent looking at the containers form. Four horses at its center and perfect spherical and circular objects make up this container. These kinds of vessels were mostly used in the burials of women and probably held food or jewelry. https://collections.mfa.org/objects/63
  • Terracotta kantharos (vase), 7th century B.C.E., Etruscan, terracotta, 18.39 cm high (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
    560 BCE

    Terracotta kantharos (vase), 7th century B.C.E., Etruscan, terracotta, 18.39 cm high (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

    A signature pottery piece of the Etruscan period Made 560-500BCE. This pottery piece is made using the Etruscan art style Bucchero in which a fine, often thin, black pottery that is fired and burnished to create a rich lustrous shine is created. Inspiration for the type of pottery came from metalware pieces, and was seen as a way to simulate that medium. https://smarthistory.org/bucchero/ https://www.collegesidekick.com/study-guides/boundless-arthistory/early-etruscan-art
  • Euphronios Vase (or Sarpedon Krater), signed by Euxitheos as potter and Euphronios as painter, c. 515 B.C.E., red-figure terracotta, 55.1 cm diameter (National Museum Cerveteri Italy)
    515 BCE

    Euphronios Vase (or Sarpedon Krater), signed by Euxitheos as potter and Euphronios as painter, c. 515 B.C.E., red-figure terracotta, 55.1 cm diameter (National Museum Cerveteri Italy)

    This is a piece of Etruscan Art that was made in the years 515 BCE. This piece is an example of famous Etruscan red figure pottery and is made from attic clay. The pot itself was "formed by Euxitheos and painted by Euphronios"(Thompson 46) who later became regarded as a famous Greek painter. https://smarthistory.org/euphronios-krater/
  • Polykleitos, Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) or Canon, Roman marble copy of a Greek bronze, c. 450–440 BCE (Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Naples) 6’11” ht
    440 BCE

    Polykleitos, Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) or Canon, Roman marble copy of a Greek bronze, c. 450–440 BCE (Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Naples) 6’11” ht

    A structure created by the Greek artist Polykleitos during the Classical period known for its perfected and ideal proportions. This statue is the Roman marble copy after the original bronze figure, such as the one located in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. https://smarthistory.org/polykleitos-doryphoros-spear-bearer/
  • Period: 323 BCE to 31 BCE

    Hellenistic Art

    Hellenistic Art (323-31 BCE) was known for it's intensity and outstanding realism. Their significance came from their ability to make artworks come to life, like in the Winged Victory sculpture. They would also depict a wide range of subjects, from gods, to everyday people, to people with deformity's, to old and young.
  • Nike of Samothrace (winged Victory), Lartos marble (ship), Parian marble (figure), c. 180 B.C.E., 3.28 meters high (Louvre, Paris)
    180 BCE

    Nike of Samothrace (winged Victory), Lartos marble (ship), Parian marble (figure), c. 180 B.C.E., 3.28 meters high (Louvre, Paris)

    The Nike of Samothrace was a famous Hellenistic period work of art (180 BCE) that symbolizes the personification of victory. Nike of Samothrace also known as Winged Victory showcases the ideas of realism and movement of this era. The folds that are present around her body simulate the feeling of movement in the statue, making it more life-like. https://smarthistory.org/nike-winged-victory-of-samothrace/
  • Portrait of Alexander the Great Roman marble copy of a Greek original, c. 20 B.C.E.–20 C.E., 35.5 cm high (Glyptothek, Munich)
    20 BCE

    Portrait of Alexander the Great Roman marble copy of a Greek original, c. 20 B.C.E.–20 C.E., 35.5 cm high (Glyptothek, Munich)

    A Roman copy of a Hellenistic period original by Lysippos of Alexander the Great made in 20BCE. Alexander The Great is shown as the famous Greek hero by Lysippos in a pose that I think subltly shows the mindset of the period. This close-up work of his face shows the value of more emotional works during the Hellenistic period. https://smarthistory.org/portraits-alexander-the-great/