Within a Greek city, in a complex of temples, lays a marble relief panel known as the Nike Adjusting Her Sandal. Famous for its elaborately carved details and high level of skill, this Classical Greek sculpture stands 3 feet 6 inches tall and has been a subject of discussion between art historians for decades. The panel originates from the city of Athens’ Acropolis in Ancient Greece circa 410 BCE. Prior to the sculpture’s carving, the Athenians faced hardship when the Persians destroyed their original temples in 480 BCE. However, this prompted the leader of Athens, Pericles, to rebuild the Acropolis under a new, classical, principal. Pericles was an exceptional orator, general, politician, and patron of the arts. His rule lasted from 495 BCE …show more content…
The Nike Adjusting Her Sandal was added to the Temple of Athena Nike in 410 BCE after the completion of the the entire Acropolis. The intricate carvings and elaborate nature of this piece illustrate a tremendous amount of skill on behalf of the unknown artist. In this sense, even though Pericles had died by the time the relief was carved, the sculpture was still a continuation his desire to show Athens’ power, strength, and wealth through elaborate construction and ornamentation. However, the Nike Adjusting Her Sandal’s historical significance goes beyond a desire to show skill. The relief was carved during the Athenian’s battle against Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Athens had already suffered several defeats which placed the fate of their empire in jeopardy. Thusly, the low relief carvings on the parapet of The Temple of Athena Nike was a sort of political propaganda. The parapet’s various depictions of Nike symbolized victory, and thusly, served as a method of reminding the Athenians of their past victories along with the fact that the goddess of victory was on their side—lifting their spirits and encouraging them to fight on. The second aspect of the Nike Adjusting Her Sandal that makes the piece so significant in the world of art history, is the fact that it hints at the presence of a new artistic era. The Acropolis’ reconstruction was in the height of the Classical Period in Greece. During this time, the Greek believed that mathematics manifested itself in beauty. Thusly, all the art produced was obsessed with idealizing bodies through the canon of proportion. A perfect example of this is Polykleitos’ Doryphoros, which set the standard for Greek art in the era due to its perfection of the human form and serene appearance through a relaxed
Greek art is considered as a turning point for the development of all aspects of cultural art history, such as architecture, sculpture, pottery and painting. The ancient Greek civilization was famous for its mythical and aesthetic principle in the art culture. Renowned for the pottery, Greek had developed its unique painting technique called the black-figured. “Achilles and Ajax playing Dice” by Exekias is the most significant black-figure amphora for its iconography and that represents the ideal art principle and history of the ancient Greece.
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The author, Andrew Stewart, begins with the male figure of Doryphoros. He focuses on the intent of the statue, establishing the knowledge that it was to set a new standard of the perfect male body to guide the future. The proportions of the body of Doryphoros were made according to a specific formula, with meticulous attention to detail. Each muscle and limb was specifically placed next to relaxed ones, creating visual hierarchy of the forms to be more appealing to the eye and mind. The figure is a copy and not originally named, but is most likely said to be of a warrior or athlete, possibly Achilles or Penthesilenia. This statue was to show a culture of people who were expected to take up arms and set a new standard for masculinity. Naked “spearbearers” were uncommon and most often reserved for athletes. The gaze of the sculpture is off in the distance, looking at the competitor, with a solid stance between macho arrogance and meek youth. The unhurried movement, self-contained pose foursquar...
Polykleitos of Argos, was a renowned Ancient Greek sculptor from 5th Century BC. He was considered by many as one of the most important sculptors of his time. During his century, Greece went through many wars (e.g. Persian War) and soon rose to become one of the world’s greatest powers. The Greeks recognised the naked male figure to represent strength, power and all that were important in the perfect Greek man. Many of Polykleitos' works reflect this idea of the male perfection and were therefore usually displayed in public areas to remind the Greek people of male perfection. His work Doryphorus, is shown as highly masculine and is correctly proportioned to further show the male perfection. Polykleitos' works, were however ahead of his time as he was one of the fathers of what is now recognised as the Classical Greek style. His works incorporated contropposto (the sculpture places one leg forward to portray movement) to try and emphasise the athleticism and strength of the male figure. Another of his works (Apollo of Mantua), reflects the beliefs of the Ancient Greek civilisation. Apollo, is in Greek mythology the messenger God, and is therefore sculpted to once again show, what the Greeks believed to be the male perfection. The sculptor is shown as fierce, well-built and...
Ridgway, Brunilde S. Hellenistic Sculpture II: The Styles of ca. 200-100 B.C. Madison, Wisc.: The University of Wisconsin Press, 2000.
Both figures have their chest open and have their head directed to the right side. Augustus’ posture resembles that of the Classical Greek sculpture: Doryphoros, sculpted by Doryphoros in 5 B.C. It shows the two forms directing their body as well as their head to the right, forming an elegant S-shape called the contrapposto. The Age of Pericles also referred to as the Golden Age of Athens occurred at the same time as when Doryphoros was sculpted. It was a period where the city flourished and transformed under the authority of general and orator, Pericles. Their similarity in form indicates their corresponding achievements and mannerisms during their ruling, they are both powerful, influential and successful in their roles. The leaders share akin qualities and to have the same stature as the Greeks provided the Romans hope for civilisation, just like the Age of Pericles. The stance of Augustus of Prima Porta helped especially the people who did not see Augustus in real life trust him, along with his power lead Rome into the same prosperity.
The Greeks believed the deities provided the city protection and allowed them to be successful in their endeavors while in time of war. Phidias, a master bronze worker, was commissioned to create the sculpture of Athena Parthenos, the goddess of wisdom to show tribute to the gods by creating a large scale sculpture in Acropolis. The Acropolis was the most important site in the city of Athens, and was well recognized as the hilltop of protection. It is also the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture as well as the symbol of the city of Athens. Some of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.
This statue of Aphrodite shows the dedication the Greeks had to their gods. The bronze goddess, holding her right arm in the air, gives off a powerful attitude. As the pose itself of the statue is not bland and more active, it gives the impression that this was created during the classical period of Greece when sculpture began having more relaxed, natural poses. The lack of more painstaking muscle and bone structure probably places it in the earlier part of the classical period though. What is most intriguing about the sculpture is the white eyes she is given that, in the face of a more natural, realistic human form, the eyes seem to retain an essence that reminds the viewer that this statue is of a goddess and no ordinary human being.
Sculpture is one of the most important parts of Greek art since it is almost the only art form that has survived in some quantity. The ancient Greeks were especially known for their sculpture because their sculptures were extremely life like and beautiful. It was important to the ancient Greeks to combine passion and reason in their sculpture. Greek sculptures were mostly of the human form since they looked at their gods as having a human form. All of the sculptures were nudes of males because society looked down upon female nudity until latter on in time when you started to see sculptures such as the Venus di Milo, which was modeled after Aphrodite (Wikpedia the free encyclopedia. Wikpedia.11 Nov 2004. 12 Nov 2004 http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Greek_art ). One of the most amazing sculptures is the colossus sculpture of Zeus in Olympia it was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Ancient writers said that it stood 12.40 meters high, 6.65 meters long and 9.76 meters deep the body of Zeus was made of ivory followed by a robe made of gold topped with a silver olive wreath and his throne was decorated with mythological scenes painted by Panainos and Kolotis the statue itself was created by Phidos. Michael Lahanas. 25 Dec 2002. 11 Nov 2004 (http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Arts/ZeusStatue.htm). Another great sculpture is the colossus Athena Parthenos. This sculpture just like the colossus statue of Zeus was made of gold and ivory and had various mythological engravings in her shield, helmet and pedestal.
Change in Greek Art Greece is famously known world widely for its spectacular artworks. People are familiarized with its sculptures, paintings, and mosaics, but not many know how its art has been transforming from time to time. An explicit example would be the drastic changes from Aphrodite of Knidos to The Old Market Woman. The Egyptians had influenced Early Greek art for several years; it was during the time of war (Archaic Period) and art was not their top priority. Most of their sculptures were similar to those in Egypt and there was no sense of personal style.
Ancient Greece has set the tone for the standard of how great sculptures were crafted. Therefore, a classic example of this form is the Fallen Warrior from the East Pediment, taken from the ruins of the temple of Aphaia. With its mythology and architectural styles, Ancient Greece has undoubtedly changed the way sculptures were made and still inspires many artists to this day.
The Hellenistic period started when Alexander died in about 320 BCE and continued approximately three eras, pending the dual killing of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and her Roman partner Mark Antony in 30 BCE after their pivotal overthrow at the combat of Actium by Antony’s opponent Augustus. During that time, Augustus made Egypt a jurisdiction of the Roman Empire. The cultural centers of the Hellenistic period were the court cities of the Greek royals who succeeded Alexander and distributed his widespread empire among themselves. The language which was used was Greek, what unified the Hellenistic world was an international culture. Their monarchs became very fortunate on the riches of the East, priding themselves of their art collections, libraries, innovation of the sciences, and expertise as critics and aficionados, and on the educated men they could bring together at their courts. The larger-than-life-size Greek Head of Poseidon bronze statute is undisputedly a masterwork of the ancient times, the Hellenistic period. The figures were central points of sanctuaries and important civic places, and they served as models and muse for the classical figurines known today. The Head of Poseidon statue is very appealing with its fine facial bone structure, full open mouth, deep-set eyes, and decorative curls of hair and wavy beard. The windswept curls are barely bound by the crown.
Greek art is considered as a turning point for the development of all aspects of cultural art history, such as architecture, sculpture, pottery and painting. The ancient Greek civilization was famous for its mythical and aesthetic principle in the art culture. Renowned for the pottery, Greek had developed its unique painting technique called the black-figured. “Achilles and Ajax playing Dice” by Exekias is the most significant black-figure amphora for its iconography and that represents the ideal art principle and history of the ancient Greece.
Honour, Hugh, and John Fleming. "Hellenistic and Roman Art." A World History of Art. London: Laurence King, 1999. 179-213. Print.
Even the few sculptor’s names known to us, usually by chance, from the imperial period are Greek names and seem to confirm the assumption that these artists’ work should be regarded simply as a late phase of Greek art” (Hanfmann, 12). The Greeks were the first western culture to figure out how to accurately depict the human form which they did through the use of geometric ratios. It is also widely accepted that it was even Greek artists who first made marble portraits for the Romans as the Romans originally had no skill with the stone. “It was certainly at first Greek artists who were entrusted by eminent Romans with the execution of portraits of themselves and of important personalities in the Roman state, just as it was Greeks who depicted Aemilius Paulus victory at Pydna and later were largely responsible for the portraits of the emperors” (Kahler 16). The Romans mainly used terracotta for their sculptures and it was only when Augustus reigned that the marble quarries at Carrara were opened and marble was used on a large scale. The Romans inherited the use of realistic proportions, the sense of movement (contrapposto), and the overall beauty of Greek sculptures. A great example of Roman sculpture that was clearly carved by a Greek artist who was familiar with the Hellenistic styles of Greece, is the Relief of the Wedding of Amphitrite and Neptune. It “shows a mythological