intro to art- Ancient Greece

Describe the beginnings of the Hellenistic period and the changes that occurred in art as a result.

Alexander the Great died unexpectedly in 323 BCE. As a result, the whole empire began to fall, and leaders fought over power and the empire. Artists of this period had a noticeably different vision of art. Art before this time period were characterized as religious and peaceful. Hellenistic art became more realistic. Hellenistic art is known for the expression of pain, anger, and other dark emotions.

Describe the art and culture of the High Classical period in Greece.

Answers may vary, but should be similar to the following: Pericles dominated Athenian Politics. He led Athens to a period of great wealth known as the "Golden Age" and used Athenian wealth for the adornment of the city. Encouraged artists to promote a public image of peace, prosperity, and power. There were many examples of great structures and vases created during this time period.

Examine these two pieces of Geometric art. For each, explain what it is and describe anything you notice that is characteristic of Greek Geometric art.

Answers may vary, but should be similar to the following: Picture 1: It is a sculpture of a centaur. It has linear motifs such as spirals on the front of the torso, diamonds on its legs and across its back, and cross-hatching along the back. It torso and limbs are cylinder shaped. Picture 2: This is a funerary vase. Funerary art reflected the belief that the dead could continue to enjoy their favorite activities even in death. On the vase, you can see abstract forms of both humans and animals.

Who is given credit for painting this vase? Describe the attributes of this vase, and how it is similar to many others painted during the High Classical period.

Answers may vary, but should be similar to the following: This vase was done by a man who is called the Priam Painter. This vase, and others like it, gave insight into Greek city life. It shows fountains which were a public amenity. The artist has also included geometric shapes and red and black contrast make it a striking piece of art.

List the three phases of the Classical Period in Greek art, including dates and important events.

Answers may vary, but should be similar to the following: • 480-450 BCE: Early Classical - Marked by the defeat of Persians in 480 BCE. • 450-400 BCE: High Classical - Marked by the Pericles and the Golden Age. • 400-323 BCE: Late Classical - Marked by the death of Alexander the Great.

Name this famous sculpture and the time period it is from. Under what historical circumstances was it created? What does the sculpture show?

This is Apollo with Battling Lapiths and Centaurs and it is from the Early Classical period.Before 480 BCE, the Greeks experienced many conflicts with the Persians who threatened their independence, but by 480 BCE, the strong armies and navies of the Greeks had triumphed over their enemies. Because of their great victories, the Greeks became very confident and their art emerged with a new style. In this sculpture, Apollo stands calming the conflict with his outstretched arm as a display of power.

Outline the main characteristics of the Geometric period in art.

The Geometric period was the first specifically Greek style of vase painting. It was characterized by linear motifs such as spirals, diamonds, and cross-hatching. Abstract forms were used to represent human figures. This included triangles for the torsos, dots for the eyes, long, thin rectangles for the arms, tiny waists, and long legs with bulging spherical muscles. Funerary art reflected the belief that the dead could continue to enjoy their favorite activities even in death.

Name this famous relief sculpture and the time period it is from. Describe what is happening in the sculpture. Is this sculpture characteristic of the time period in which it was created in?

This relief sculpture is entitled Athena Attacking the Giants. It was created during the Hellenistic period. This sculpture shows an unhappy Athena, who is holding the men at either side, almost in a hostage manner. This sculpture is characteristic of the Hellenistic time period because it exhibits emotion, anger, and violence, which were all common in Hellenistic art due to the circumstances at the time Greece

Name this sculpture, the time period it was created during, and its purpose.

This sculpture is entitled Nike of Samothrace. It was created during the Hellenistic period. It is thought to have commemorated an important naval victory, or some other type of war victory.

Who is given credit for painting this vase? Name and describe the attributes of this vase.

This vase was created by the Achilles painter. It is called, Woman and Maid. The vase is Characterized by outlined or drawn imagery and enhanced with a full range of colors. The artist used tempera a water-based paint made with glue or egg whites.