Symbolism In Minoan Art

This work of art is from the Greek, Hellenistic period, c. 270- 250 B.C.E. This fifteen inch marble bust corresponds to a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty according to the typical facial features of the ruling family at that time. The Ptolemaic dynasty occurred when there was a succession of Macedonian Greeks over Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. until the annexation of Egypt by Rome and the suicide of Cleopatra VII in 30 B.C. Therefore, this head was most likely created to symbolize a Ptolemaic Queen. Its subject matter, the themes or ideas in a work of art distinct from its form, is not evident

Through further research, I have learned that this vase “depicts the heroes Achilles and Ajax playing a board game” (Two-Handled Jar with Achilles and Ajax).

The Beaker with Ibex Motifs is a prehistoric pottery art work, found in near-perfect condition during a 1906-1908 excavation of a Susian necropolis in Susa, Iran. The Beaker with Ibex Motifs is a large vessel with dimensions at 28.90 x 16.40 cm. Used by the first inhabitants of Susa, this beaker is a the first example of a funerary item. The identity of artist is unknown, however, it is thought the beaker was created sometime between 4200 and 3500 B.C.E.

The Harvester Vase was found in Hagia Triada on the island of Crete. This vase is from the Late Bronze Age, dating from 1550 to 1500 BC. The vase was originally made in three parts and was fitted together. The face is oval shaped and has a vessel on the top. The vase was carved on brownish steatite. The vase was originally glided with gold and hammered to paper-thin thickness. This piece is decorated with low-relief sculpture and shows a unique scene. The piece has pictorial designs. The composition is powerful, rhythmical, and lively.

Pottery was a huge part of the ancient Greeks lives. The pots were very highly decorated usually with scenes depicting Greek gods as a way of worship to them. This paper will explore two examples of Greek pottery and explain their uses and what is seen on them and why.

The artifact I chose during the museum tour was the artifact called Parthian Rhyton. The Parthian Rhyton is from Iran from the time 150 BC – AD 225. It is made up of Silver with mercury gliding. This artifact reflects the style of its culture by having the goat in an attack position with the head down lets up this piece reflects power and strength. The piece identifies it as being from a particular civilization and time of the naturalism of the goat, with its carefully detailed horns and swirling coat, is characteristic of such vessels in the subsequent Parthian period (247-224 AD), along with the highlighting of such details the vegetal design at the throat of the vessel with mercury gliding. The visual clues

The great Minoan civilization of Crete formed around palaces such as those at Knossos, Phaestus, Ayia Triada, and Tyliossos. The extremely important Palace of Minos at Knossos gives us crucial evidence of a continuous architectural brilliance and highly developed artistic sense, bringing together all aspects of architectural style, art, and innovation during the Minoan period between 1700 BCE and 1580 BCE and continuing until the invasion of the Achaeans in the 12th century BCE (Britannica Encyclopedia). The most famous palace is the palace of Minos of Knossos which demonstrates a specific arrangement of blocks:

The Standing Male Figure stands in an enclosed glass case in the Los Angeles Art Museum. Not a very descriptive name for an artifact with very minimalistic information about it. The display only described it as the Standing Male Figure from 700-600 BCE made of limestone and found in the small island country of Cyprus. Cyprus at the time was ruled by the Assyrian Empire until its fall in 609 BCE. The piece is estimated to be during the Greek Geometric Period and the Greek Archaic Period, but can be compared to some Greek art during the Greek Archaic Period, like the Kouros. The Standing Male Figure of the 7th to 8th Century could be the Cypriot take on Archaic Greek Art.

The durability of clay has brought forth an immense abundance of Greek pottery, a craft mastered by Athenian artists. Archeologists have found hundreds of varieties in creation, shape, function, style, and artwork in Archaic vases. The museum has been blessed with one of these priceless artifacts; it is the duty of this establishment to accumulate as much data as possible surrounding the vase. In first identifying technique, dimensions, and condition, as well as describing shape, ornament, and figural scenery, one may then begin to analyze the vase. This serves the general purpose of understanding where the artifact stands in Greek culture and history. Through the examination and research of figural scenes, it is then possible to compare

The Herakles and the Erymanthian Boar is displayed at The Walters Art Museum under the accession number 48.253. The design on this piece is black with the background having a red color. This piece was found in Athens, Greece and it dates back to 520 B.C.E. Surprisingly, after all these years, it is still in great condition. It is a storage jar with a height of 16.8125 inches and a diameter of 11.1875 inches. What was the importance of this storage jar and what does it tell us about the Ancient Greek culture?

The “Attic Black-Figure Column Krater” depicts Dionysos the Wine God surrounded by various Satyrs and Maenads. The Satyrs and Maenads appear to be performing some kind of dance ritual, with Dionysos standing center. Dionysos, holding a drinking appeared rather relaxed compared to the others in the scene, it almost appears as if he was smiling at the Satyrs and Maenads. Ultimately, the subject matter of the painting on the vase showcases a joyous ritual with Dionysus and his follower Satyrs and Maenads. The subject matter of this vase infers that the Athenians were a festive people that enjoyed dance and wine.

This piece of art depicted the interaction between Dionysus and Pan in a form of sculpture. The sculpture was created from beautiful marble in A.D. 50 – 150. The work is three

This is usually referred as a red-figure style vase. This type of style vase painting started in Athens, Greece. The red-figure technique is essentially an inversion of the black-figure technique, for now the figures are left the color of the clay and the background is painted black. Details within the contours of the figures are painted with a brush and are consequently more fluid than when incised in the black-figure technique. These paintings upon the vessels usually depict some sort of scene from mythological life. Most of these Greek vessels served as more than drinking vessels but as prizes, ways to illustrate stories and items used to place in tombs.

Religion played a significant role in the daily lives of the Minoans. There are no scriptures or book of prayers to support the existence of Minoan religions except for artifacts and motifs discovered in caves. It appears that Minoan society was a female dominated culture as evidence by the number of women in palace frescoes and figurines goddesses found in Cretan sites (Martin, 1996). The Cretans were polytheistic who worshipped many goddesses. Evidence found in excavated sites suggested that Cretans built sanctuaries in caves, mountain tops, palaces, and villages where they worshipped during which they offered animal and other goods as part of their rituals. Some evidence suggested that the Minoans may have performed human sacrifices. Minoan

The Minoan civilization flourished in Crete. Unlike other early civilizations, Minoans accepted equality among men and women. Women were of great importance and had authority in society, which is evident through artifacts found of female deities and the mother goddess. Interestingly, the clothing Minoan women wore was intricate and highly ornamented. Experts believe such elaborate clothing was possible because of Minoan’s weaving and dyeing skills and trade. Minoans used clothing mainly for status and decoration. As civilization changed, clothing styles changed, and after political conflict, the rich Minoan culture and style ended. However, a few style staples of Minoan dress have inspired other clothing styles and designers. Overall, fashion is evolutionary and cyclical, and one present day inspiration of Minoan culture can be appreciated from Mary Katrantzou’s Spring Summer 2017 collection.