Greek Ideal Figure in Vase Painting and Sculpture

Question 1

Define buon fresco (true fresco).

Answer 1

The art of painting on a moist, plaster surface with colors ground up in water or a limewater mixture so paint is absorbed by plaster and becomes part of the wall itself. Mural painting on a wall. Directly painted on the wall. (Permanent).

Question 2

Define stylized rendering of the human body.

Answer 2

Stylized hair of Greek statues.

Ex: hair was carved as small spheres (Kouros statue, 600 BCE).

Question 3

Define arete.

Answer 3

Greek for “excellence in all things.” Willingness to grow. Balance in all things.

Question 4

Define idealized vs. naturalistic rendering of the human body.

Answer 4

Idealized = defined mucles, no wrinkles or baggy eyes on face, smooth skin, youthful expression, stylized hair, etc.

Naturalistic = belly fat, wrinkles, baggy eyes, old/wisened expression, realistic hair (different curls), etc.

Question 5

Define contrapposto.

Answer 5

Shift in weight between feet. Body leaning on one leg. Balance of one part of body is counterpositioned from central axis.

Question 6

Identify periods of Greek art.

Answer 6

Geometric = 900-700 BCE
Archaic = 700-480 BCE
Classical = 480-400 BCE
Late Classical = 400-324 BCE
Hellenistic = 323-30 BCE

Question 7

How does the Greek ideal representation of the human body change from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, to the Hellenistic period? Can you discuss a good example from each period?

Answer 7

Geometric - abstract figures.
Ex: triangle bodies on vase from Dipylon cemetary, Athens, 740 BCE.

Archaic - stylized hair, nude bodies, straight posture (Egyptian influence), more defined muscles, smiling faces/bulging eyes.
Ex: Kouros statue, 600 BCE.

Classical - costrapposto pose, ideal human proportions, arete.
Ex: Doryphorous, by Polykleitos, 450-440 BCE.

Hellenistic - more naturalistic, naked forms, all muscles featured.
Ex: Laocoon and his sons, early 1st c. BCE.

Question 8

Geometric krater (vase) from the Dipylon cemetary, Athens, 740 BCE (Geometric period)

Answer 8

1st register - geometric pattern along top.

2nd register - cremation scene. Triangular figures pulling out their hair, standing next to a fireplace with a body atop the mantle (ie, funeral pyre). No thought of afterlife. Paid mourners were common.

3rd register - horse racing with chariots. Soldiers with shields.

Question 9

Kouros statue, 600 BCE (Archaic period)

Answer 9

Young man. Space between legs carved out. Arms still straight - Egyptian influence. Nude. Possibly warrior or athlete. Stylized hair - small spheres.

Question 10

Doryphorous, by Polykleitos, 450-440 BCE (High Classical period)

Answer 10

“Canon” of human proportion. Human form linked to Pythagorous with ideal human proportions. Contrapposto form. Orignal staue was a free-standing bronze. Romans made marble copies.

Question 11

Aphrodite of Knidos, by Praxiteles, 350-340 BCE (Late Classical period)

Answer 11

First naked female form. Naturalistic - body fat is portrayed. Contrapposto pose. Romans made marble copy.

Question 12

Lacoon and his sons, by Athanadoros, Hagesandros, Polydoros of Rhodes, early 1st c. CE (Hellenistic period)

Answer 12

Father and sons being attacked by serpents. Naked male forms are more naturalistic. All muscles are featured. Hair has natural curls.

Question 13

Identify relevant Egyptian periods.

Answer 13

Pre-Dynastic - only the palette of Narmer (ca. 3000 BCE)
Old- Kingdom (ca.2575-2134 BCE)
New Kingdom (ca. 1550-1070 BCE)

Question 14

Identify the Minoan Period.

Answer 14

(ca. 1600-1200 BCE)