Ancient Greece- Post #4

         We can begin by saying that although Egyptian art was based more off of religious factors, the Greeks oriented more towards the Philosophical aspects of art. Unlike the non-emotional statues created by Egyptian sculptors, Greeks explored human anatomy and facial expression which are very important to art concepts in today's world. Egyptian sculptures had large heads overdone faces with no expression and Greek's focused heavily on the "perfect body". They explored the naked body as it embodied beauty in their eyes.
         Greek art explored many concepts of life. They began what is known today as "Classical Art" which is connected to geometry and symmetry. One great example of this can be found in the text on page 93. "Podeison or Zeus". It showed Greek interest in being able to study athletes practicing in gyms.
        The most important aspect to remember about Greek art is that it focused on Humanism and the glorification of man. It enhanced unity within man even though they were to be depicted as "gods". These sculptures were for the benefit of man.
        I believe that politically, we owe plenty to Greek art as it was the first democracy depicted in time over 4000 years ago. Since these large sculptures were for public display and government sponsored this gave average citizens sense of pride within their communities. I believe many artists today, such as graffiti writers who bomb subway platforms are motivated by Greek Art without knowing. Being able to send a message throughout a community is what the Greeks did during their time and what many graffiti writers do throughout ours as well.




A History of Western Art by Laurie Schneider Adams
Pg.93
Poseidon or Zeus, found in the sea off Cape Artemision, c. 450 B.C.
Bronze, 6ft, 10 1/4 inch.