Greek Sculpting Essay

The definition of sculpting is, according to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “to make or represent a form by carving, casting, or using other shaping techniques”. Though, one could easily argue that in ancient Greek culture, sculpting meant more than just the craft of carving, casting, or shaping. Sculpting was the expression of imagination, an illustration of passions and storytelling, and a means of communication. The early Greek sculptures that we view today are incredibly important to the study and interpretation of history. This is because we are able to analyze these sculptures and theorize why the Greeks sculpted a certain way during certain eras. The different styles of Greek sculpting can be broken down into three separate periods:

From a craftsman’s standpoint, the enhancements can be seen in the Greek’s sculpting style. The sculpture bodies are seen as more relaxed and less rigid, given way to a more natural and realistic form. Sculptors also started replacing that unnatural archaic smile and large eyes with symmetric facial features that more accurately represented a human face. A common technique used in the Classical Period is called contrapposto. This technique was the position that sculptors used. Usually one of the sculpture’s legs is in front of the other causing a shift in the hips and torso; sculptors used this position to portray a carefree appearance. An example of the use of the contrapposto technique is the famous sculpture, Kritios Boy. When you look at the sculpture, you can see the one leg that is shifted forward, giving the boy’s body a relaxing stance. Although, contrapposto was very popular and heavily used during the Classical Period, the sculptures still have very serious looks on their faces. This doesn’t change until we enter the Hellenic Period, when sculptors started giving their works more creative poses and facial

The works of art from the Archaic Period, Classical Period, and Hellenic Period developed physically and mentally, and the study of their aesthetic differences from period to period allow for a decided contrast and comparability. This interpretation has had a profound effect on the art world and that continues even in today’s world. The importance of Greek sculptures is evident in the storytelling of the gods, the people, and the culture. We use these sculptures as a tool to go back into the past of the Greek people, letting us admire how far mankind has truly come, whether it is in art or intelligence. Generation after generation has been and will continue to be able to see for themselves the society, culture and uniqueness of these periods through the wonderful sculptures that came out of ancient