Download Classical 1 Classical Societies Essay Name Classical 2 The Artwork

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Classical Societies Essay
Name
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The Artwork of Classical Societies
Classical period art is known for its sculptures, especially those which celebrated and
explored human anatomy. Classical art is more realistic, and it aims to correctly depict the
human body. Many sculptures give the impression of movement. The human form is recognized
in these works and its beauty embraced. In the classical period, artwork took on different facial
expressions. During this time, sculptures were free of facial expression. In the Classical period,
artists took advantage of a new sense of freedom of expression that was available to them. From
this time period, I selected the work Athena of Varvakeion. Phidias made this sculpture, and it
sat at the Parthenon. The original sculpture, which was sadly destroyed, was made of ivory and
gold. This sculpture appealed to me because it exemplifies the respect for the strength of this
period's goddesses and their feminine natures. Athena, though Goddess of War, always aimed
for peace. This statue shows that women's nature is of diverse character, but always strong.
The death of Alexander the Great ushered in the Hellenistic period. During the Hellenistic
period, many changes happened in the art world. Art in this period was naturalistic. As in the
Classical period, the artist knew how to correctly depict human anatomy, but the Hellenistic
period's artists wanted to surpass this into true realism. These works sculpted both expression
and emotion. Erotic scenes were not off-limits, and posed nudes were common. From this time,
I picked the sculpture of Aphrodite, Eros, and Pan. This marble sculpture dates to 100 B.C. In
this Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, starts a scandal to get rid of Pan. Eros, the angel in the
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corner, touches Aphrodite’s shoulder softly while pushing Pan away. Pan is a human with a
goat's horns and legs, representing panic. The artwork is in this image.
During the Iron Age, the Etruscan civilization thrived and produced art. Their arts
features and details owe their influence to the Asia Minor region. Greek art influenced Etruscan
art, but their art also shows Etruscan religious beliefs. They used mainly terracotta and clay.
They were also known for their works in bronze. They depicted day-to-day life, religion,
celebrations, dances, and musical instruments in their art. Similar to ancient Egyptian art, their
art was supposed to help people reach the afterlife. To me, this art embraces life, showing its
truth and joy. From this period I selected the Sarcophagus dei Sposi. This sculpture shows a
couple that clearly loves each other. This piece shows people acting tender and protective. To
me, it looks like a good marriage, comfortable and relaxing. The love and affection between the
partners is clear from this work.
The art in the Roman Republic began from the style of the Greeks, but the Romans made
it to honor their own ancestors, past, and great rulers. Romans stole many sculptures and other
art works from the classical and Hellenistic periods of Greek art. The Roman Republic was ruled
by the Senate. Roman architecture and sculpture relied on concrete. They painted both on
canvas and on wall murals. A common device was to aim a figure's eyes up towards heaven.
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They had a great deal of freedom of expression in their art. The Roman Republic was also
known for their literary works. Art and literature of the Roman Republic showed the emotions
and thoughts of real people. I chose the piece Pompeii Villa of the Mysteries. This was painted
near the front of the villa, in plaster, near the Frescoes in the Initiation chamber. This piece is
important to me because of my history with Pompeii. When I lived in Naples for four years, I
discovered Pompeii. This piece covers all of the walls of the room or chamber. It shows the
cermony involved in a woman marrying a man. This portion shows what happens when a
woman is about to become a bride.
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The Roman Empire spanned six centuries after 27 B.C. The art of the Roman Empire
was highly influenced by art from Greece. The Romans created portraits, buildings, sculptures,
metal works, mosaics, and illustrations bound together in books. They learned from imitating
Greek art but also developed and improved upon it. They began the tendency towards realism in
art that followed them. Their art was truthful and lifelike, aiming to showcase day-to-day life in
Rome. Sculptures were not valued as highly as paintings. Roman art was supposed to show
wealth and be decorative. They had a lot of art, in great varieties, and there was plenty of it to
display. I picked the piece Neptune Driving a Sea Chariot, a mosaic in glass and limestone.
Neptune is the God of the Ocean, and this piece is from the 4th Century. This piece reflects the
many gods of the Romans in their polytheistic religion. The work itself is whimsical and
beautiful.
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References
Benton, J., & DiYanni, R. (2008). Arts and culture: An introduction to the humanities. 3rd ed.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
BoardMan. J. (1978). Greek Sculpture: The Classical Period._Retrieved December 3, 2009 from
http://www.greeklandscapes.com
Gardner, Percy. (1921). The Principles of Greek art._Retrieved December 5, 2009 from
http://www.huntfor.com/Greece.html
Stites, R. (1940). The Arts and Man._Retrieved December 4, 2009 from
http://www.teacheroz.com