Chapter 4: Prehistoric Aegean Flashcards
Cycladic Art
Small marble statues often depict nude women. Their purpose may have been to represent the deceased or entertain them as some are playing musical instruments (Harp player).
Middle and Late Minoan Art
Crete, Minoan palaces were for commercial and religious purposes and not considered royal residences. Characterized by fresco paintings (Spring Fresco). Vase paintings of sea motifs, marine style.
Palace of Knossos
Complex Minoan palace that influenced minotaur myth in the labyrinth. Walls decorated with frescoes.
Harvesters Vase
Minoan relief sculpture of young singing farmers, first representation of underlying muscular and skeletal systems.
Mycenaean Art
Deep shaft groves that contained gold treasure like masks and daggers. Citadels that featured huge stone blocks thought to be built by Cyclopes.
Tholos Tombs
Beehive shaped tombs that featured corbel vaulting.
(The Treasury of Atreus).
Repoussé
Metalwork that’s hammered into relief from the reverse side
Niello
A black sulphuric, metallic alloy that’s often used as inlay on etched metal
Sarcophagus
Depicts Minoan rituals like a ceremony involving a sacrificial ox, pouring libation, offerings to deceased. Woman with light skin and men with dark skin.
Bull leaping fresco
Ceremonial scene depicting bull-leaping figures have punched waists, men have dark skin and woman have light skin.
Spring Fresco
True fescco, requiring rapid execution. A landscape with vivid colors and loose lines to capture essence of nature.
Kamares Ware Jar
Creamy white and reddish-brown decoration on a black background. Spirals and waves.
Marine Style
Dark figures on a light background. Uses curve of vase to inspire design. Often depicted sea life.
Snake Goddess
May represent priestess but more likely a bare-breasted goddess. Snakes in hands and a feline on head. Minoan.
Lion Gate
Largest sculpture, a relief of confronting lions that fills the relieving triangle of Mycenae’s main gate.
