The Classical And Hellenistic Period

Late Roman Empire Art only lasted for a short extent of time. During which many changes occurred in art, predominantly changes to sculpture. This change was a moving away from sculpture being meant for a particular person to sculpture being for the people of the Roman Empire.

A period marked with much change, Hellenistic Era began with the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. From political structures to individual ideologies, the Hellenistic Period marked a time of progress and prosperity for the Greeks who were at the peak of their power. When comparing the Classical and Hellenistic Periods there are many similarities and key differences which are going to be discussed below.

During the span of the Classical and Hellenistic periods in Ancient Greece, many changes occurred that differentiated one from the other. There were many facets of society that were affected as a result from the Classical period leading to the Hellenistic period.

The Hellenistic period of Greek art spans from the time of Alexander the Great’s death in 323 to 30 B.C.E. (“Hellenistic Period” 1). However there have been controversies of precisely how long the Hellenistic period lasted. Some argue that from C. 400; to the first century can be classified as “Pre-Hellenistic” (Janson 138-139). “Hellenistic, is a term meant to convey the

​There are two main periods in Greece history, Hellenic and Hellenistic period. They have some similarities but they are significantly different. Many people believe that the Classical era is the most impressive due to the success in literature, science, philosophy and architecture, which does not mean that the Ancient Greece is less significant. While in Hellenic era they saw rising and falling of the polis in Hellenistic era it was more about war and fighting for among the prevailing dynasties. The thing that they have in common is that they were consistent in discovering new philosophies and science also decreasing the role of gods.

The Acropolis (Athens, Greek) is a city on the hills with four magnificent buildings around. The city built 495-425 BC near the Athens, city of Athens. The meaning of the Acropolis is come from an Acro means highest point and the polis means city. Persians in 490 BCE and again in 480-479BCE destroyed the city in the early Classical period and Athens becomes the dominant political power in that time and a great see and trading power. The Acropolis is a proof of human and Greek ancient who they were created, these huge architectural buildings with a lot of work and creativity this city is a great example of architectural ancient Greek history.

Power and Pathos uses 50 absolute masterpieces to tell the story of the spectacular artistic developments of the Hellenistic era (4th to 1st centuries B.C.), when new forms of expression began to prevail throughout the Mediterranean basin and beyond. There was an extraordinary leap forward in the development of techniques to form the first instance of globalization of the language of art in the known world. Art was in effect, going international. This exhibit has gathered together some of the most spectacular ancient bronze sculptures that still exists today. It displays monumental life sized figures of Gods, Heroes, Athletes and rulers. Ancient cultures invented bronze. They discovered that making an alloy of copper and tin produced a strong metal that could hold great detail and objects cast with it can easily be reproduced. The ancient Greeks prized bronze for its visual worth and they used it create statue of the human body. Unfortunately, because bronze is a metal that can be cast and is expensive, it can also be melted down. Hence, large bronze statues have rarely survived from antiquity, as most were melted down so that their valuable metal can be reused. The ones that are still preserved today are mostly the same ones that were either lost at sea or buried underground.

It is evident that ancient history has influenced different time periods clear up to the Modern day. A prime example of how history can influence the future is in Greece. The Classical Age came before the Hellenistic, but many ideas and knowledge has been carried over. The Classical time period last from 479 B.C.E. to 338 B.C.E. The Classical time period ended when Alexander the Great died (Kagan 85). After this came the Hellenistic age which lasted from 338 B.C.E. to 31 B.C.E. (97).

With the rise of Alexander “The Great” begins the Hellenistic Age which is used to describe a time which Greek culture spread to places like Egypt and Asia. Due to this Greek culture had changed from what it was during Classical Greece as they were able to achieve much more with this new diverse culture. The Classical Age of Greece is known for its work in philosophy and the arts. The work of Greek philosophers of this time such Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle cannot go unnoticed in these contexts as their accomplishments still have lasting effects on our world today. Along with the great work of these philosophers, came other great works in architecture and drama. Beginning in 448 B.C. Pericles began the construction of the Acropolis,

Alexander the Great died and Hellenistic culture began. The Hellenistic time period was Greek-like and embodied many of the traditional Greek values, while modernizing the Middle East. During the Hellenistic Period, art, entertainment and athletics flourished. Many temples were built but the customs were altered to become modern and enjoyable. Stadiums and Gymnasiums were also fabricated, which induced a social aspect to the polis’. The agora, public alters, and libraries were new and exciting additions to the Hellenistic Period which united the people and gave the people more opportunities. These attractions began to pop up all over the Hellenistic world, whether the Jews wanted it or not. Previously Judah was on the outskirts of other cultures,

After this last class lecture and reading in this week’s assigned chapters it was so striking to me to see the vast similarities between Hellenistic culture and Judaism culture as it relates to religion. I come from a primarily Southern Baptist heritage so much of these similarities I have never heard or seen before. What I have taken so far out of this class is a better understanding of how the religion of Christianity has come to fruition. For me this class has been very eye opening I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing things from a new perspective the development of Christianity. To me I want to gain new perspectives and I want to be able to question what I believe so in essence I can have a broader view of Christianity.

One last piece of art that shows a significant transformation in the geometric period is the sculpture of Hero and Centaur pictured on the right. It is considered geometric because it is small in scale and the figures have simple stylized shapes. You see again the small torso on the animal-like figure and on the human figure that is shown nude and anatomically correct. The animal figure is actually human in the front and horse in the back with legs on both ends belonging to a different species. This was an animal-human monster the Greek invented called the centaur and the sculpture reveals the scene of a hero battling a centaur depicting an early example of the mythical narrative (Herakles and Nessos). The significance of the earlier mentioned style of painting and this sculpture design is that it marked a turning point from the geometric period into the oriental period because now mythical creatures/monsters are introduced, the natural beauty of the human figure is reintroduced, and the art of storytelling is revived.

Greek art has changed throughout the years, yet some basic forms have remained. Time, technique, as well as historical events have helped shape the way art has evolved since 600 B.C. Three important periods in Greek art are the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. We will discuss how art has changed throughout these periods, what influences led to change, as well as why it changed. We will also discuss what has remained constant through these periods. Since people’s perceptions and taste of art are different, some would say that art has become better with time, whereas others would say the opposite, but nonetheless, it has evolved.

Marble, limestone, bronze, terra-cotta, wood and a combination of gold and ivory known as chryselephantine were mediums of ancient Greek sculptures used in the fifth century BCE. Statues were often adorned with pearl, gold, jewels and accessories to give them a more vivid appearance. Most statues were of male men athletes (naked), entities and mythological creatures such as centaurs. Many statues of significant figures were created after their death. Interest in the female nude body (divinity) later became more popular amongst Greek sculptors. In the fourth century, characterization came into play. Characterization focused on creating sculptures that were of no real person.

Initially, the Dionysos is described as youthful. Around the 1st century in the Early Roman Empire, which is the date range of this art, youthful portraits were popular. Dionysos face is rendered in a way that it can be evident that he is represented as fresh-faced; young and vigorous. There is no sign of wrinkles or a face that embodies wisdom and experience, instead, the facial features are soft and affable. Due to these features, his face is close to feminine as well. The eyes and mouth are relaxed as opposed to