ALTARE DI PERGAMO

Summary

The video explores Hellenistic art, focusing on key cultural and architectural transformations in cities like Pergamon. It highlights famous works such as the Pergamon Altar, its historical context, and its role in celebrating victories over the Galatians. The lecture also examines the monumental architecture and the emotional, dynamic elements in Hellenistic sculpture, including the use of high-relief techniques. The presenter discusses the blend of classical Greek influences with new, more expressive artistic freedoms, offering insights into how the art of this period was designed to evoke strong emotional engagement from viewers.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The script discusses the Hellenistic period in art, focusing on significant architectural and sculptural works that emerged during this time.
• 🌐 It highlights the transformation of cities like Pergamon, which became rich in monumental architecture, reflecting the broader changes in Greek cities and their territories.
• 🏛️ The Altar of Pergamon is a key artwork mentioned, built to celebrate the victory over the Galatians, a Celtic people, and is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
• 🎨 The script describes the artistic style of the Hellenistic period as dynamic, with a strong emphasis on movement and emotion, which is evident in the detailed carvings of the Altar of Pergamon.
• 🗿 The Gigantomachy, or the battle between gods and giants, is a central theme in the frieze of the Altar of Pergamon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and civilization over barbarism.
• 🏗️ The architectural design of the Altar of Pergamon includes a double portico with an inner and outer colonnade, showcasing the grandeur of Hellenistic architecture.
• 🗺️ The script mentions the 'Great Frieze' and the 'Lesser Frieze', which are significant parts of the Altar's decoration, depicting mythological battles and the life of Telephus, the mythical founder of Pergamon.
• 🎭 The script emphasizes the emotional and physical engagement of the viewer with the artwork, suggesting that Hellenistic art aimed to involve the audience more deeply than classical art.
• 🖌️ The artistic techniques of the period, such as the use of high relief and the depiction of movement in clothing, are discussed as ways to enhance the dynamic quality of the sculptures.
• 🌈 The script also notes that while Hellenistic art is distinct, it continues the classical tradition and explores new subject matter and expressive needs.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script's discussion on Hellenistic art?

The script focuses on the detailed examination of significant works of Hellenistic art, particularly famous pieces, and the renowned schools of art, starting with the city of Pergamon.

How did the city of Pergamon develop during the Hellenistic period?

Pergamon developed into a wealthy and splendid city with important architecture, expanding over terraces and acquiring a scenic appearance with the construction of monumental buildings like the acropolis.

What is the significance of the Altar of Pergamon in the context of the script?

The Altar of Pergamon is significant as it was constructed to celebrate the victory over the Galatians, a Celtic population, and it represents the triumph of civilization over barbarism.

Where is the Altar of Pergamon currently located?

The Altar of Pergamon is currently housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, after being reconstructed there due to the 19th-century competition for ancient artifacts among European states.

What are the two friezes depicted on the Altar of Pergamon?

The two friezes on the Altar of Pergamon are the Great Frieze, which depicts the Gigantomachy, and the Lesser Frieze, which shows episodes from the life of Telephus, the mythical founder of the city.

What artistic techniques are highlighted in the description of the Great Frieze on the Altar of Pergamon?

The Great Frieze is characterized by dynamic lines, strong movement in the figures' drapery, and high relief sculpture that gives a sense of physicality and emotion, with figures almost in the round.

How does the script describe the development of cities during the Hellenistic period?

The script describes the development of cities as a transformation from autonomous small city-states to Hellenistic cities with large central spaces, monumental buildings, and an increase in public structures like theaters and libraries.

What is the connection between the construction of the Altar of Pergamon and the historical events it commemorates?

The Altar of Pergamon was constructed to commemorate the victory of Pergamon over the Galatians, symbolizing the triumph of civilization and the establishment of the city's power and cultural identity.

How does the script discuss the continuity between Hellenistic art and classical art?

The script emphasizes that Hellenistic art is not a complete break from classical art but rather a continuation that allows for more freedom in artistic expression, exploring new subjects and representations while building upon classical techniques.

What is the significance of the 'Dying Gaul' sculpture mentioned in the script?

The 'Dying Gaul' is significant as it represents the pathos and emotional intensity of the battle between the Greeks and the Galatians, showcasing the dynamic and expressive qualities of Hellenistic art.

How does the script describe the viewer's experience of the Altar of Pergamon?

The script describes the viewer's experience as immersive and emotionally engaging, with the friezes and sculptures designed to draw the observer into the narrative of the battle and the triumph of civilization.