Hellenistic Art --- Audrey Wright --- ART 623 90 --- 15 August 2018

Lighthouse at Alexandria

323 BCE

The lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt obviously served a very practical purpose by protecting those on the sea, trading vessels especially, as Alexandria was such a busy eastern harbor. In addition, though it is a pleasing structure with a wide base and spire that narrows as it goes up into the sky. It looks quite a lot like modern-day skyscrapers, and must have been imposing in the daytime and essential at night. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria

Necklace with bow of Heracles

323 BCE

This gold necklace is so unusual and beautiful. The way the "charms" dangle in levels in the center. The bow of Heracles itself is very intricate and looks a bit like a Celtic knot. It is the tapering, though, in the pendants and the chain itself that really catches the eye. This sort of wearable art, would allow everyday beauty to grace the necks of people, and now it resides in the Louvre, so everyone can see it. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/400609329336212786/?lp=true

Temple of Artemis

323 BCE

This temple is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its grand columns and pedestal-like base made the view wide as well. This place of worship would have been used by followers to regularly give praise and thanks. Its immense size dwarfed other temples of the time so it's sheer size was enough to make it a wonder. https://foundtheworld.com/temple-of-artemis/

The Hellenistic Era

Period: 323 BCE to 31 BCE

Roman Aqueducts

312 BCE

The Roman aqueducts showed that beauty can be included anywhere. Though they were used to transport water, the aqueducts look like intricate bridges that were engineered to stand firm over many thousands of years. The arches are graceful and strong. They almost act as frames to the lovely surroundings and offer a glimpse of the rivers, trees, and mountains behind them. They often took years to build, but lasted longer. https://www.teach engineering.org/lessons/view/cub_aqueducts_lesson01

Petra tombs

312 BCE

The tombs carved into rock cliffs in Jordan would be a marvel if they were made today. It is very dramatic and formal at the same time, grandiose in size and extensive in scope. Like the pyramids of Egypt, they show a reverence for the dead. The tombs also have a depth to the facade that makes what could be two-dimensional have three-dimensional interest. https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/

Ancient Greek Kithara

300 BCE

This is a reconstruction of an ancient Greek kithara, but there is evidence of musical instruments back to the 7th millennium B.C.E. Despite Mo Tzu's disregard for its importance, if the ancient people were spending time away from farming and hunting and gathering to create and play musical instruments, then it must be a human need. It is certainly an emotional impetus for most. Nothing can bring back a memory like a song. http://www.terpandros.com/project/kithara-of-apollo/

The Ramayana

300 BCE

The Ramayana is an epic poem written in seven books. It has been translated into every major language and in India, the play is still performed every year during Dassehra. It tells of the historic story of Prince Rama. There are many modern retellings that have been made recently to share the ancient story with modern audiences. Lines from it have even made their way into everyday Indian speech and idiomatic expressions. http://blog.ithinksolutionsonline.com/?p=128

Statuette of Isis and Horus

300 BCE

This Egyptian statue is startling for many reasons. First, the color is so vibrant that it stands out among the many bronze statues of the time. Also, it feels modern in that she is a mother suckling her son without need of covering. It even looks as though she has her thumb in the infant's mouth to sooth him. Every mother can remember a time when that was the only thing that would keep them soothed. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/55.121.5/

Gold cuff bracelets

275 BCE

These cuffs are made from gold and precious stones. The intricate gold work and complicated fastener show much skill on the part of the artist. While these may not have been for everyday wear, they are certainly a beautiful object that would have been worn on the wrists at parties or formal occasions. This ornate and decorative everyday object would be able to be viewed by people going about their daily lives. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/358458451568491133/?lp=true

Bronze statuette of a veiled and masked dancer

250 BCE

The artist here managed to create from bronze the figure of a veiled woman so that you can still see her movement through layers of fabric. The skill necessary for this accuracy of portrayal and the beauty of soft fabric's movement in solid metal is impressive. It shows the artist's knowledge of the body and movement and the subtle folds of fabric. Today, millions watch dancers on Dancing with the Stars or World of Dance. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1972.118.95/

Bronze statue of Eros sleeping

250 BCE

This statue speaks to Greek mythology and its important place in art. The figure is especially interesting because usually Eros is making mischief, but this pose makes him seem angelic. The way his chubby belly shows his slump is so lifelike. It is also very pleasing to see the contrast between the bronze figure and the white rock he's collapsed onto. It helps to emphasize his arms and legs and their completely relaxed posture. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/43.11.4/

Boy Jockey and Horse

220 BCE

It would be hard to find something more universal and timeless than the bond between children and animals. This spectacular bronze sculpture was actually found in a shipwreck and restored! The ripple of the horse's muscles and the posture of the boy and the look on his face all portray that feeling of trust. Even without a saddle, he is confident that the horse will take him where he needs to go. www.flickr.com/photos/mchangsp/5005863798

Seikilos

200 BCE

If anyone would like to listen, here is a link to the oldest complete song in existence. The song was found on a tombstone.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNLEFz9wwz8]
The music is so lyrical and soothing. Played on the kithara, it sounds almost like it comes from another world. Even those who are not musically trained or gifted can definitely relate to the peacefulness conveyed by the piece. https://www.findagrave.com/ memorial/88882228/seikilos_epitaph

The "Dove Basin"

200 BCE

This painting, seems like a modern still-life, but with birds instead of fruit. The appeal of a still-life is the idea that nothing is happening, no story is being told. Instead, there is a beautiful image that the artist wanted to capture and frame. It forces us, like the boots that Heidegger described, to really look closely at something that we may normally overlook. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mosaic_doves_Musei_Capitolini_MC402.jpg

Mosaic of a nymph from the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

200 BCE

Mosaic tile may not be highly regarded, however, the craftsman must be very adept to create something so intricate from small tiles. This particular mosaic is not only a mythic scene, but also has an elaborate border that reaches out past the bounds of the picture. The size and scope of it may be even more impressive. It is also a medium that will stand the test of time, lasting thousands of years, when most canvas and paint have faded away.
https://commons.wikimedia.org

Laocoön Group

200 BCE

The agony and struggle on the faces of Laocoon and his sons is emotion almost anyone can relate to, even if they cannot relate to being attacked by sea serpents as they are. The detail of the muscles, hair, and serpent skin is so fluid it seems real. The boys look weak and frustrated, while the father, being bitten, wrenches his body with such force that he seems as though he will topple over. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon_Altar

Great Altar of Pergamon

175 BCE

The grand staircase and graceful columns draw the audience up to the altar and into this architectural work of art. The most majestic part of this, though, is the frieze that runs around underneath. The figures, while more flattened than a sculpture, depict scenes important to the lives of the people during that time, mostly mythological battles. This shows the Hellenistic desire for art in all aspects of life. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon_Altar

Belt Plaque with Three Ibexes

150 BCE

This Chinese belt buckle has a wonderful symmetry that is pleasing to the eye. Also, the gaps in the metal take on a design of their own. The main focus, however, is the three ibexes. During the Hellenistic period there was a focus on nature and animals in all kinds of art. The reverence for animals continues today in the adoration of pets and the fight to maintain diminishing species and their habitat. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/49444

Glass gold-band mosaic alabastron (perfume bottle)

100 BCE

This piece has beautiful symmetry and color; it must also be delicate, given that it's made of glass, and yet it has survived for thousands of years. Therefore, it must be carefully and well-crafted. It also speaks to emotion as many attach much importance to their own beautification through their grooming process. This process almost always involves the application of scent; therefore, it is relatable across generations. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/17.194.286/

Cubiculum (bedroom) from the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale

50 BCE

This bedroom relates to Dewey's idea that art should be everywhere and accessible. What a lovely thing to have art to wake up to all around one each morning. Every wall is covered with a mural of an outdoor scene, some natural, some city. The bright colors garner attention and the symmetry is pleasing to the eye. Both side walls are divided up into the same size areas. There is diminishing perspective on the buildings especially too. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/03.14.13a-g/