Week 2: Canons of Classical Beauty

Question 1

Beginnings of humanism

Answer 1

Began in ancient Greek art, focus on what it means to be human

Question 2

Significance of sculpture in ancient Greece

Answer 2

Sculpture (and art) overcame mortality and imperfections, bringing the mortal man closer to godhood

Question 3

Nudity in Greek art

Answer 3

Males were depicted nude because their athleticism was valued; women were almost never nude because they were sexualized

Question 4

The koros model

Answer 4

Strong young man, rigid, movement is implied with the extended foot; represents arete

Question 5

Arete

Answer 5

Greek ideal of excellence, strength, modesty, wisdom, etc.

Question 6

Kritios boy

Answer 6

6th c., shows a more natural stance and marks the beginning of classical period ideals in statues

Question 7

Contrapposto

Answer 7

Natural stance where the weight is shifted onto one leg, giving the body an s-shaped curve

Question 8

Relationship of beauty and balance

Answer 8

Mathematical balance in measure and proportion lead to beauty and virtue. Since nature must be in balance, and nature is beautiful, we must also be in balance to emulate it.

Question 9

The Canon of Polyclitus

Answer 9

How to use math to create beautiful sculpture. All body parts must be in proportion in an elaborate geometric function. (Ex: human body must measure seven heads tall). The goal was to create perfection, not to emulate nature

Question 10

Doryphoros; The Spearbearer

Answer 10

Exemplar of the Canon of Polyclitus. Also related to Aristotelian beauty ideals because he showed a contribution (protector, spear bearer, etc.)

Question 11

Symmetria

Answer 11

The concept of symmetry. All measurements in the body should be in unity and harmonized

Question 12

Kiastic cross

Answer 12

The X that crosses through the body at the shoulder and hip line, creating believable movement

Question 13

Anologia

Answer 13

Value of proportion; each part of the body must measure in relation to the height of the body and to each other.

Question 14

Roman effect on Greek art

Answer 14

When they conquered they adopted the Greek ideals of the canon, but pasted roman ideal heads onto the bodies, creating a strange look

Question 15

Kalos

Answer 15

Greek idea that beauty is subjective and has internal elements. Character is just as important as looks

Question 16

Aristotle’s adaptation of the Canon

Answer 16

People can be beautiful based on internal and external features. Emphasizes optimum physicality and character; beauty = a body that can hold a soul that is a good person who contributes to society. Offers a moral explanation to why Polyclitus’ theory is the ‘ideal’

Question 17

Physiognomics

Answer 17

Aristotelian idea that physiology can track dispositions of character. The best body is one that lies between extremes (symmetria and analogia). Can lead to predjudice

Question 18

Plato’s adaptation of the Canon

Answer 18

Virtue was enough to make anyone beautiful. Focus on visual pleasure of the body. Believed bodies are beautiful because they form and participate in the universe. Beauty = a body that fits harmoniously in it’s environment