GREEK CIVILIZATION

Introduction:
Ancient Greek civilization, the period following Mycenaean civilization, which ended about
1200 BCE, to the death of Alexander the Great, in 323 BCE. It was a period of political,
philosophical, artistic, and scientific achievements that formed a legacy with unparalleled
influence on Western civilization. (we now know the sculptures—even the ones that decorated
temples like the Parthenon—were brightly painted, and, of course, the fact that the figures are
often missing limbs is the result of the ravages of time). Their civilization also depends on
different factor they were free from economical worries so they focused on luxuries. They had
built gyms, assembly halls where they gathered and played different games. They believed in
lords. They had made different lord for different purposes for example Achelous
• Achelous the patron god of the “silver-swirling” Achelous River.
• Aeolus Greek god of the winds and air
• Aether Primordial god of the upper air, light, the atmosphere, space and heaven.
• Alastor God of family feuds and avenger of evil deeds.

GREEK ART
Similar in its adoption of narrative elements is a vase-painting. Fully ensconced in the
Geometric Period (900-700 B.C.E.) the imagery on the vase reflects other eighth-century
artifacts. Though simplistic, the overall scene on this vase seems to record a story. A man and
woman stand beside a ship outfitted with tiers of rowers. Grasping at the stern and lifting one
leg into the hull, the man turns back towards the female and takes her by the wrist. Later
Romans copied them they had made the same things by changing material but credit goes only
to Greeks.

Divisions:
Art of Greek is divided into two parts
• Hellenic Period
• Hellinistic Period
Hellinic is further divided into three parts:
• Geometric Period
• Archaic Period
• Classical Period
Geometric Period
Geometric style, style of ancient Greek art, primarily of vase painting, that began about
900 BC and represents the last purely Mycenaean-Greek art form that originated before the
influx of foreign inspirationVases decorated in Geometric style exhibit painted horizontal bands
filled with patterns, much like the vases of the preceding Proto-Geometric style. Geometric-
style bands, however, are more numerous, covering the entire vase, with triple lines dividing
patterned zones at regular intervals. The overall visual effect of the regularly spaced horizontal
bands filled with sharply angular patterns in dark paint upon light ground is one of undulating
rhythm, closely akin to basketry. In addition to using abstract motifs, artists working in the
Geometric style began using figures of humans and animals, seeing both as the sum of
geometrized parts—bodies becoming triangles, legs and arms becoming line segments. First
used just as patterns, they later developed into more complex groupings, usually narrative—
funeral scenes, sea battles, dances, boxing matches, and exploits of popular heroes.
Representative objects of this period include vases, small bronze and clay figurines, elaborately
decorated safety-pin-like clasps, or fibulae, and limestone seals.

Archaic Period
Archaic period, in history and archaeology, the earliest phases of a culture; the term is most
frequently used by art historians to denote the period of artistic development in Greece During
the Archaic period, Greek art became less rigidly stylized and more naturalistic. Paintings on
vases evolved from geometric designs to representations of human figures, often illustrating
epic tales. In sculpture, faces were animated with the characteristic “Archaic smile,” and bodies
were rendered with a growing attention to human proportion and anatomy. Male and Female
figures were made male figures called Korous while female figures called Kore. They had shown
kore and korous in nude sculpture with one leg forward to show movement
Classical Period
Classical period is also called Golden Period. Neo-Classical also came after thousands of years.
When something is good or exemplary in some way, we say it's classic. Classic is good. Classic
is… classic. Well, nobody did classic better than the Greeks. One era of Greek art was so
important in establishing the foundations of Western ideas about beauty, form, style, and use
of art that we call it the Classical Era. When many people think of Greek art, it is the images of
the Classical period that immediately come to mind. During this time, roughly from 510 BC to
320 BC, the Greeks achieved their highest level of craftsmanship and pressed exploration of
form and perspective in art to limits well beyond its previous bounds.
Classical art is perhaps most notable for its perfection of the human form in sculpture.

SCULPTURES OF GREEK

Modern scholars find 3 stages of ancient Greek art. They were used to make sculptures on
mythology, Battles and rulers. The Greeks decided very early on that the human form was the
most important subject for artistic endeavour. Seeing their gods as having human form, there
was little distinction between the sacred and the secular in art—the human body was both
secular and sacred Greek sculptors were particularly concerned with proportion, poise, and the
ideal perfection of the human body, and their figures in stone and bronze have become some
of the most recognizable pieces of art ever produced by any civilization.

Material:
Ancient Greek monumental sculptures were composed of entirely on with cast bronze was
among the favorite medium for sculptures. The Roman’s marble sculptures were actually
originated from Greeks because Greeks sculptures were later destroyed. Teracotta sculptures
were made in abundance limestone was mostly used in archaic period, stucco, marble. Plaster
was also used, in archaic period it was used on hair. After coating marble they did color on it.
Early Greek sculpture was most often in bronze and porous limestone, but whilst bronze seems
never to have gone out of fashion, the stone of choice would become marble. The best was
from Naxos - close-grained and sparkling, Parian (from Paros) - with a rougher grain and more
translucent, and Pentelic (near Athens) - more opaque and which turned a soft honey colour
with age (due to its iron content). However, stone was chosen for its workability rather than its
decoration as the majority of Greek sculpture was not polished but painted, often rather
garishly for modern tastes..

Geometric Period
Geometric period begin about 900 to 700 BC. It was further divided in 3 time periods.

• Early geometric period 900 to 8500 BC

• Middle geometric period 850 TO 760 BC
• Late geometric period 760 TO 700 BC

Art that was created during geometric period was unique as compared to other periods. During
this period geometrical shapes were used to make the shapes of bodies and body parts were
very simple. Most of the things that was made were vases and pottery. They made paintings on
vases. These were further divided in 3 about which we study later. When this period finished
archaic period did not came immediately infact there was a period between archaic and
geometrical period that was called Orientalizing period which was obviously started after 700
BC

CHARACTERISTICS OF GEOMETRIC PERIOD

The century of apolo which is the architecture of Greek art is the first form of Greek art and it
was created in geometric period. Greeks began to do trade with their neighbours in east. They
did creazing of sculptures by removing negative spaces due to which positive spaces became
prominent and give a pleasing look.

Geometric Pottery
In the eleventh century BCE, the citadel centers of the Mycenaeans were abandoned and
Greece fell into a period with little cultural or social progression. Signs of civilization including
literacy, writing, and trade were lost and the population on mainland Greece plummeted. Many
vases were made creative. Animals, including bulls, deer, horses, and birds, were also based in
geometry. Horse figurines were commonly used as offerings to the gods.

Athens:
The city of Athens became the center for pottery production. A potter’s quarter in the section
of the city known as the Kerameikos was located on either side of the Dipylon Gate, one of the
city’s west gates. The potters lived and work inside the gate in the city, while outside the gate,
along the road, was a large cemetery.
In the Geometric period, monumental-sized kraters and amphorae up to six feet tall were used
as grave markers for the burials just outside the gate. Kraters marked male graves, while
amphorae marked female graves.

Human Figures
The human figures are made of a triangle as a torso that supports a bulbous head with a
triangular chin and nose. Their arms are cylindrical, and only their legs have a slightly more
naturalistic shape. These attributes can be seen in a small sculpture of a seated man drinking
from a cup that displays the typical modeling figures as simple, linear forms that enclose open
space . Especially noteworthy are his elongated arms that mirror the dimensions of his legs.

Animal Figures:
Animals, including bulls, deer, horses, and birds, were also based in geometry. Horse figurines
were commonly used as offerings to the gods. The animals themselves became symbols of
wealth and status due to the high cost of keeping them. Equine bodies may be described as
rectangles pinched in the middle with rectangular legs and tail and are similar in shape to deer
or bulls.

EXAMPLES

The Man and The Centaur:

Man and centaur is also called as Hercules and necos The classic rendering of this subject can
be seen in the metopes of the Parthenon in Athens. It is, however, already fully presented in
this bronze statuette. The outcome of the conflict is indicated by the end of the spear
preserved in the centaur's left flank and by the greater height of the many
Key facts:
• It was estimated to made between 750 and 730 BC
• The sculpture was small solid brass cast that stand 4.5 inches high on ground
• This sculpture features a man who is maybe Hercules and confronting necos
• Artist depicted fictional animal the centaur that is male from front and horse from back
both man and centaur had facial hair and were wearing hat

Bronze horse:
The Sculpture of a Horse is an bronze sculpture. It was discovered at Olympia during
excavations in 1939 and is now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Statue of
horse have been created during 8th century. The horse is artistically and stylistically modest,
and its execution is not outstanding, but it is of great art historical interest. It represents a
unique transitional piece, between the small scale of the Geometric style and the larger scale of
the Archaic period, in which it was attempted to expand a smaller figure using traditional
techniques.
Key facts:
• It was made of solid bronze cast
• Like the previous one statue of horse was crafted in the same way. It was casted as male
figure. The overall body was made thin especially legs size was reduced and geometrical
shapes were used
• Miniature sculptures like these were found in shelters
• It was found 11.5 cm feet high from ground
Seated Figure:
Statue from Samos:

ARCHAIC PERIOD
The Archaic period of Greek art lasted from about 750B.C. to 480 B.C -- a period recognized as a
time of great achievement. It was a time of assimilation as the Greek empire expanded and
artists incorporated foreign styles from the Near East and Egypt into their work. Sculpture
provides a platform from which to consider the elements of form and style that dominated the
Greek Archaic period. More particularly from 620 to 480 BC. Age is defined through development
of art at this time specifically through the style of pottery and sculpture, showing the
characteristics of that world later be developed into the more naturalistic style of classical
period
 Characteristics of Archaic Period

Archaic is one the five periods that ancient greek history can be divided into. It was preceded by
the dark ages and followed by the classical.
Archaic period saw advancements in political theory, especially the beginnings of democracy as
well as in culture and art. The knowledge and use of written languages which was lost in dark
ages was re-established.
The Greek Dark Age is the interval between the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization, around
1200 BCE, and the Greek Archaic Period, around c. 800 BCE. The Dark Age era begins with a
catastrophic event: the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization.

Patterned and Naturalistic

Throughout the Archaic period, Greek artists began to focus more and more carefully on the
anatomical representation of the human body. “Inscrutable Smiles: Viewing Greek Art” notes
that Archaic artwork displayed an impulse for pattern. Artists continued to sculpt forms that
honored a tradition of balanced patterns in the rendering of musculature and bones. Human
representations from this period were symmetrical, and little variety existed in posture and
gesture.

Freed from Stone

One element of Archaic sculpture is that the arms and legs have been freed from stone. As in
Egyptian sculpture, one leg is often in front of the other. Unlike Egyptian sculpture, in which the
arms and legs are rendered in high relief, Greek Archaic sculptors completely cut away the
stone between the figure's limbs and body. Artists sculpted large-scale forms for temple
exteriors in addition to freestanding statues. Most Archaic Greek sculptures were life-size or
larger; were made of white marble; and were originally painted in bright, naturalistic colors.

Young Men and Women

Two types of statues were especially dominant: the male kouros, or “young man,” and the
female kore, or “young woman.” The Archaic korai represented deities, priestesses or nymphs.
The kouroi were almost always nude and represented gods, warriors and athletes. Nudity
removed the figure from a specific place, time or social class.

A Smile Without Emotion

The faces of human figures in Greek Archaic art were telling: the eyes were large, almond
shaped and wide open. The mouth was shaped into a strange closed smile called the Archaic
smile. This smile transcended emotion and cast the figure into a realm of permanence.
 Kore figures
By definition Kore (maiden) refers to statues depicting female figures usually always of young
age which created during archaic period (600-480) either as votive or commemorative statues
more statues are the female equivalent of korous. There are several differences between two
the with the most significant are being the fact that statues were almost portrayed in most of
the life kore Statues are wither life size or little smaller and were developed with the same
techniques and proportions continuous as the korous equivalent of same era.

Characteristics:
• In the earliest korai, the bodies are so block like that they hardly seem to represent
feminine form, the most artistically interesting feature being the bold patterns formed
by the grooves of the drapery.
• Later, the drapery became more fluid, with a greater variation in the folds gained by
having one hand of the kore pull the drapery tightly across thighs and buttocks.
• The garments worn by the kore figures changed from the heavy tunic, or peplos, to the
lighter, more graceful chiton, also a tunic; the Ionian himation, a short, pleated mantle.

• All the garments displayed pattern, either on borders or as single ornaments scattered
over larger areas. kore statues were almost always standing in a forward pose with the
leg extended slightly forward (rarely with feet together) and with one hand pulling their
dress as if not step on it.

• Free hand was holding an offering to the god or goddess they served. Kore Statues are
depicted wearing either ionic chiton or heavier peplon As is the case with most status
from Attica while some statues are shown wearing a Peplum over chiton kore Statues
were thoroughly painted in ancient time in order to emphasizing

Examples
The peplos kore:
The Peplos Kore is the best known – and probably most loved – exhibit in the Museum of
Classical Archaeology. She is a type of statue known as a kore (plural: korai), marble
representations of young women used to mark graves or, more often, as votive offerings to the
gods in the sixth and fifth centuries BCE. The peoplos kore 530 BC us a fine example of the
attica style standing in a rigid pose obedient and immobile as it were yet brusting with strength
.

Key facts:
 • It is made up of marble.
• Its height is about 1.18m.
• "Kore" means girl in ancient Greek. This statue is called the Peplos Kore because she is
wearing a dress called a "peplos."
• Originally it was probably painted bright red with green trim. In her left hand, which is
missing, she would have held an offering to the goddess Athena.
• Greece and Egypt were close trading partners. Compare the Peplos Kore to an Egyptian
statue to see how they are alike.
• Feminity through her soft arms. The kind of features of her face and the delicate
suggestion of the curvature of body under heavy peplon the ornate hair that drapes
naturally on the shoulder

Chios kore:
Peplos Kore has a simple dress and displays the austerity & simplicity associated.
Kore from Chios shows a complexity and elegance of the dress. She is richly appareled elegance
associated w/ Ionians.
Gradual blending of the vigor & austerity of the Dorian Spirit with the grace and elegance of the
Ionian.

Key facts:
• In contrast chios kore 520 BC is presented ornate with dazzling array collection of folds
color and texture on her chiton.
• Decorative nature, elegant features and dress contrast it with the tough features with
vertical lines.
 • It is made up of polychrome marble

Korous figures

Kouros (youth) sculptures were abundantly produced during the Archaic era (700-480 BCE),
continuing a long line of small votive statues made of bronze. Around 600 BCE the first
monumental figure sculptures appear in Greece and they depict youths, almost always standing
in the nude, and were either votive or commemorative in nature. A korous is a modern Time
given to those representation of male youth. Korous as was the case with kore statues were
almost always apparently life and with the exception were made of marble.

Characteristics:
• Kouros, as was the case with the Kore statues, were almost always approximately life-
size (some much larger), and with few exceptions were made of marble. They are
depicted standing in a frontal pose with their left leg moved forward, their arms close to
their bodies touching the side of their thighs, and they exhibit an almost strict
symmetry as the different parts of the anatomy are depicted as simple geometric forms
• In this respect, the Kouros statues have a great deal in common with Egyptian
monumental sculpture that undoubtedly influenced their development.
• Another difference between the Egyptian and Greek figures is evident shortly after the
first appearance of archaic Greek statues: the Egyptians had developed a formula for
the human figure that—with rare exceptions—they followed strictly over a period of
thousands of years; distinctions between individuals were indicated chiefly by facial
features
• They are depicted standing. In a frontal pose with their left leg moved forward their
arms close to their bodies. The size of their thighs and they exhibit an almost strict
symmetry as the different parts of the anatomy are depicted as simple geometric forms.
• In respect korous Statues have a great dealing Common with Egyptian monumental
sculpture that undoubtedly influenced their development.
 • The statue transitions towards greater realism

Examples
Statue of a kore
This is one of the earliest marble statues of a human figure carved in Attica. The rigid stance,
with the left leg forward and arms at the side, was derived from Egyptian art. The pose
provided a clear, simple formula that was used by Greek sculptors throughout the sixth century
B.C. In this early figure, almost abstract, geometric forms predominate; and anatomical details
are rendered in beautiful analogous patterns. The statue marked the grave of a young Athenian
aristocrat

Key facts:
• Statue of a kore 5890-580 BC
• Its height is about 193.04 cm
• It is made up of marble
• This noble figure of youth and it was used by the Greeks for many years, reeks made
nude figures in beginnings while Egyptians were skirted Static, rigid, and Greeks weight
is equally distributed
 Examples
The bronze charioteer:
The "Charioteer of Delphi" is one of the best known ancient Greek statues, and one of the best
preserved examples of classical bronze casts. It is considered a fine example of the "Severe"
style.
The sculpture depicts the driver of the chariot race at the moment when he presents his chariot
and horses to the spectators in recognition of his victory. Despite the severity of the moment,
the youth's demeanor encapsulates the moment of glory, and the recognition of his eternal
athletic and moral stature, with abundant humility.
Attic relief gravestones (stelai):
In Attica, around 580 BC, a series of tall gravestones begins, topped by the figure of a sphinx, on
a simply decorated capital. After the mid-century the capital is elaborated as palmettes with
spirals, but soon thereafter the stele type is simplified, with a palmette only. The type disppears
in the early 5th cent. BC. Most figures are male and there is rough age differentiation by type:
young as athlete, mature as warrior, old as man with dog. In the last phase the rectangular
bases for the stelai may be decorated in relief on three sides.

Non-Attic Relief Gravestones

Most follow the Athenian pattern, but double-sided reliefs are found in north Greece and the
general Attic type continued through the Early Classical period, beyond the middle of the 5th
century, when Attica is no longer making relief stelai for graves. There is more variety of figures
- more women and children