Two of the most important eras in Greek art were the Classical and Hellenistic Ages. It had a significant impact on the development of Western civilization. Doryphoros of Classical Age was one of my favorites, while the Winged Victory of Samothrace of Hellenistic Age was the other. They are both stunning and captivating. We will be discussing the techniques used by both sculptures, their themes, how each sculpture represents the period they represent, and how political changes have affected their work.
Doryphoros is the first sculpture I like. Polykleitos sculpted the bronze sculpture, which measures approximately 6 feet by 11 inches. The sculpture was created by Polykleitos using his Cannon method. Canon is a mathematical system that creates proportional body parts. This was to make sure the ideal body was possible, which was an important concept in classical sculpture. The Greeks were amazed at the idea of creating humans from math. Polykleitos was also well-known for his ability to create young athletes. You can also compare the movement of the body to the archaics. Polykleitos used Contrapposto to display Harmony or counterbalancing. Contrapposto was a key part of the classical-age sculptures. Contrapposto, which can be seen by doryphoros is a man standing on one foot with his right leg extended and his right arm relaxed. The symmetry broken by his turned head is unlike any other sculptures. It can be displayed as either Lively figures or as real life. Next, I love to compare the winged victory over Samothrace. This sculpture depicts the god Nike. Nike is also known to be the goddess Nike. The sculpture is 9 feet tall and was made from Parian marble. It was discovered on Samothrace, an island. It was said that the wind looked like her drapery blowing in front of the sculpture at the harbor. This piece of Hellenistic art is different than classical art because it shows emotion. This sculpture shows her voluptuousness as well as her energy. It’s almost as if the sculpture is responding to her environment. This shows how the sculptor valued her body. While it is not clear who the sculpture belongs to, many believe it was created by pythocritus. The focus in the classical age was on following the rules of naturalism and cannons. Hellenism emphasized freedom more, which was why it used more nude women and dramatic expressions as well as spiritualism. Doryphoros’ sculpture is an excellent example of this ideal body. It isn’t real, but it reflects more of the artist’s thoughts. It was the catalyst for His Image’s realization. It also symbolizes the classical idea of Harmony, balance and harmony. It emphasizes the warrior’s muscular build. Emotion is also a key component of classical art. He seems confident and self-assured in this photo. The Hellenistic era is best represented by the Samothrace winged victory. The Hellenistic art display is unlike classical art. The sculptures are finished. Nike can be seen turning her torso, almost as if you could see the wind blowing through her drapery. This gives her a unique realness. It almost feels like she is about to take a step or move. Although the Hellenistic art is Big On Emotion, her face is not visible on the sculpture. However, we can see that her body language and stance suggest she is assertive and victorious. The symbol of freedom is one of her many characteristics. Political changes helped us move from the classical age into the Hellenistic age. Alexander the Great’s Conquest of Athens began. Soon democracy was disappearing and it gradually became a monarchy. Many Greeks believed that their senses and belongings were losing with democracy. Art eventually became the focus of art. It was like the conquest of four Greeks to explore new meanings and try to understand. Due to the hegemony and power of the poleis, classism eventually became Hellenism. The end of classical age officially came with the death Alexander the Great. The art of sculpture evolved from a simple, unfeeling creation to one that expresses emotion. This was the beginning of a new era in art.
