Influence Of Greek Art

1038 Words3 Pages

“Anthropos metron”—“Man is the measure of all things,” one of the most known phrase by the Greek philosopher, Protagoras. These words reflect the Greek’s idea of humanism, focusing on us, humans. Greeks have introduced a view in both arts and architectures. Capturing aspects of humanity, Greek sculptures were intended to portray aesthetics and human forms and figures. As Greece continued to developed, so did their architectural style. Its influence is universal, the architectural structures of Greece can be seen abundantly in buildings and other constructions, both modern and older. Greek art and culture play significant role on the evolution the arts. Their period lasted from 1050 – 31 BCE. Greek art was divided stylistically into four major periods: Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. The Geometric period began in Athens from 900 to 700 BCE. This is the beginning of the formation of civilization for Greece. Greek city was formed, new way of writings was founded, and trades grew. Along with the rise of the cities, came the development and buildings of sanctuaries and temples which contributes to the rise of religion. Arts in this period were interpreted in the forms of epic poetries, visual arts, metal works, and potteries (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000). Paintings in this period were very geometric and rather unnatural. Many were painted on potteries and vases. Repetitive patterns of geometrical shapes and forms were made. Not much color were used, usually just two colors or were monochrome. No movement was depicted. Though, the paintings and arts in geometric periods were more of geometrical shapes and artists weren’t really concerned with the idea of naturalism; the beginning of the development of m... ... middle of paper ... ...tic period were exaggerated, both in forms and emotions. The styles were much more elaborate. Details were made to the extent that human forms would look unnatural. Exaggerations of muscle tensions were made, facial expression were portrayed in extreme. Unlike any other periods, the architecture in this period was much more complex and ornate. Greek art had an enormous influence on the cultures of many nations around the world. In fact, the transitions of art styles from each period were not strong transitions. The style gradually changed and developed as new cultures were introduced to Greek artists and new ideas and techniques were formed. Although the nation’s powerful reign had fallen, the spreading of its culture still remained in contemporary cultures seen in everyday life. It arts and forms contributed to many nation’s art developments and evolutions.

Open Document