LA TARDA ETA' CLASSICA PRASSITELE

Summary

This script delves into the Late Classical period of Greek art, highlighting the shift from the idealized representations of the Early Classical era. It discusses the impact of societal and political changes, such as the decline of Athenian democracy and the Peloponnesian War, on artistic expression. Key artists of the period, including Praxiteles, Scopas, and Lysippus, are introduced, with a focus on Praxiteles' innovative approach to sculpting the human form. His works, characterized by sinuous lines and a sense of movement, reflect a more intimate and sentimental portrayal of subjects, diverging from the rigid symmetry of earlier periods. Notable examples include his 'Apollo and the Satyr' and the controversial 'Aphrodite of Cnidus,' which challenged traditional depictions of female divinities.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The Doriforo of Policleto represents realism and balance, emphasizing the body's weight shift without additional supports.
• 📜 The transition from the early to late classical period in Greek art coincides with major historical events like the Peloponnesian War, which weakened Greek city-states.
• ⚔️ The fall of Athens in 404 BC marked a shift in artistic focus from idealized representations to more humanized, emotional depictions of gods and heroes.
• 🎭 Late classical art explores subjectivity, focusing on intimate and sentimental portrayals, unlike the universal ideals of earlier periods.
• 👑 The dominance of Macedonian kings following the fall of Athens led to significant political and cultural changes that influenced artistic production.
• 💃 Artists like Praxiteles introduced fluid, sinuous forms in sculpture, emphasizing natural, everyday poses and human expressions in divine figures.
• 👩‍🎨 Praxiteles was known for his soft, curved lines and humanizing of gods like Apollo and Satyrs, moving away from rigid, idealized depictions.
• ⚖️ Praxiteles' works often feature exaggerated shifts in the body’s center of gravity, breaking away from the balanced poses seen in previous eras.
• 🛁 The Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles was groundbreaking for being the first statue of a nude female deity, challenging previous norms of modesty.
• 🖌️ Praxiteles was known for painting his statues with a mixture of oil and wax to enhance the lifelike appearance of the skin, contributing to the realism of his works.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Doryphoros of Polykleitos in the context of the discussion?

The Doryphoros of Polykleitos is significant as it represents the epitome of the classical ideal of balance and harmony in sculpture, showcasing the principles of movement, equilibrium, and the realistic depiction of the human form that were characteristic of the early classical period in Greek art.

How did the Peloponnesian War impact the art of ancient Greece?

The Peloponnesian War, by weakening the cities of Greece and leading to internal conflicts, contributed to a shift in artistic focus. The equilibrium and unity that were once reflected in art began to dissolve, leading to a period where art started to explore more subjective and individualistic expressions.

What is the difference between the artistic styles of the early and late classical periods in ancient Greece as discussed in the script?

In the early classical period, art was characterized by idealized, balanced, and harmonious representations, often with a public and social role, reflecting universal values. In contrast, the late classical period saw a move towards more subjective, humanized, and intimate portrayals of subjects, with a focus on individual expression and a departure from the rigid symmetry of earlier works.

Why did the fall of Athenian democracy influence the production of art in ancient Greece?

The fall of Athenian democracy marked a significant cultural shift where art, which was previously a shared social good, began to explore more personal and subjective themes. This change led to a greater emphasis on individual expression and a move away from the collective ideals that were prevalent during the earlier periods.

Who are the three major artists of the late classical period mentioned in the script?

The three major artists of the late classical period mentioned are Praxiteles, Scopas, and Lysippos. Each is known for their unique contributions to the evolution of Greek sculpture, particularly in the representation of the human form and the expression of emotion.

What is the distinctive feature of Praxiteles' sculptures as described in the script?

Praxiteles' sculptures are characterized by their sinuous forms, with curved and soft lines that give a sense of movement and flexibility. They often depict deities in a more humanized and intimate manner, capturing moments of everyday life and natural, spontaneous actions.

Why was the Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles considered revolutionary for its time?

The Aphrodite of Knidos was revolutionary because it was one of the first sculptures to depict a female deity nude, which was a significant departure from the traditional representation of female figures in ancient Greek art. This sculpture also showcased a new level of naturalism and sensuality, contributing to its fame and controversy.

How did the sculptures of Praxiteles differ in terms of their support structure compared to earlier works?

Praxiteles' sculptures often featured a more pronounced shift in the center of gravity, requiring the use of broader support structures or multiple supports to maintain balance. This was a departure from the more subtle shifts seen in earlier works, which aimed to create a sense of stability and equilibrium.

What was the significance of the statue's coloring technique used by Praxiteles as mentioned in the script?

Praxiteles used a coloring technique involving a paste of oil and wax to give his statues a lifelike appearance, mimicking the texture and color of human skin. This technique was significant as it added to the realism and intimacy of the sculptures, making them appear more like living beings caught in a moment of everyday life.

How did the artistic styles of Scopas and Lysippos differ from those of Praxiteles as hinted in the script?

While the script does not provide detailed descriptions of Scopas and Lysippos' styles, it suggests that, like Praxiteles, they also contributed to the late classical period's trend of exploring more subjective and individualistic expressions in art. Their works would have continued the shift towards more dynamic and emotionally expressive sculptures.