1. Greek Art Sculpting perfection

2. Background As with most artistic movements and civilisations, Greek art evolved over time. It evolved from early, simplistic renditions to reach its zenith by the end of the Hellenistic Era (Greek Period) in the Classical Age. The Greeks were noted for their pottery, architecture, but it was through sculpture that they made a lasting impression. The Romans, after conquering Greece, realised the superiority of Greek sculpture and never bothered to develop their own style. They instead, copied, or hired Greeks to copy / create sculpture. Most of the Greek examples still existent are in fact Roman copies – the originals have disapeared.

3. Forms There are three main periods of Greek Art Archaic (600 – 500 BCE) Classical (500 – 400 BCE) Hellenistic (400 – 300 BCE)

4. Archaic Period (600 – 500 BCE) The statuary from this period reflect a lot of the same elements that were found in Ancient Egypt. Hands to the side One foot forward Large Eyes Slight smile (referred to as the archaic smile)

5. Unlike the Egyptians, the Greeks used iron tools which allowed them greater control. They also exhibited a confidence in their skill and did not include the backdrop of stone found in Ancient Egyptian sculpture. Arms are not attached. Show more accurate musculature. Sculpture also reflected the values of the society. Nudity / human body was something regarded as an art form in itself.

6. Classical Period (500 – 400 BCE) Over the course of just 100 years, the art began to change. The poses of the statues began to relax.

7. In the Classical Period, artists began to try to show movement. First attempts were done of figures in the moment of or immediately after moving.

8. Classical Examples

9. Close but not there yet With both the “Posiedon” and the “Discus Thrower” statues, the limitations are still evident. Muscle tone is not quite right Difficulty in showing flexing and extending muscles. In the “Discus Thrower” the muscles are distorted in order to made the work “fit” Are only developed to be vied from one perspective.

10. Hellenistic Period (400 – 300 BCE) This period corresponds with the Peloponnesian Wars and the fall of Macedonia. Most represented due to Roman copies. Is a true break from the past. Art is relaxed and realistic. People are represented more than gods.

11. Too Much realism? This period was not popular among the ancient Greeks as it did not always idealise the human form. Realism was taken to an “Extreme” as with “The Boxer” and “The Drunken Woman”

12. The Boxer

13. Drunken Woman

14. Laocoon Group