The Evolution

of Art

What can art tell us about culture?

Before the Greeks….

… and the Greeks.

•What do you notice that is different about the following works of art.

• Sculpture of a Muse.

• One who inspires art and theatre.

• Bathing woman (possibly Aphrodite)

• Depicts an every day action.

• Very true to figure.

• Finger is bent.• Balance.• Rounded.

Characteristics of Classical Greek ArtCharacteristics of Classical Greek Art

• Expressed ideals of Expressed ideals of harmony, balance, order harmony, balance, order and moderation.and moderation.

• Expressed emotion.Expressed emotion. • Glorified humans Glorified humans

(Humanism)(Humanism)

• Combined beauty and Combined beauty and usefulness usefulness

• Symbolized pride of people Symbolized pride of people in their city-states in their city-states

• Emphasis on power and balance.

• Motion.

• Celebrates a famous athelete.

• Smooth eyeballs

• No attempt at showing a look or a glance. Viewer has to infer the emotion.

• Aim of Greek art to show only the outside of the body.

• You were supposed to look at it as a beautiful natural object, not a human with fleeting moods.

Key to Greek Art: The Golden Mean

• Pythagoras, Greek Geometer

• Golden Section (length from tip of middle finger to forearm/elbow) is the basis for the proportions of the human figure.

• Showed human body is built with each part in a definite Golden Proportion to all other parts.

• His discoveries had a tremendous effect on Greek art.