Chapter Three:Classical Greece and the
Hellenistic Period
Culture and Values, 7th Ed.Cunningham and Reich
Music in the Classical PeriodPopularity of instrumental musicDoctrine of Ethos
– Plato– Aristotle
Pythagorean principals– Octaves, fourths, tetrachords, modes
Rhythmic instrumentationMusical notation
Fifth Century B.C.E.:Sculpture and Vase PaintingNaturalism, realism
– Myron’s Discus ThrowerNew standard of human beauty
– Proportion, symmetry, balance– Riace Bronzes– Polykleitos of Argos, The Canon
Focus on individual – Emotional responses– Death and mourning
Plucked instrumentsCitharaPhorminxLyra Epigonion BarbitonPandouris
Lyre
Epigonion
Collection of plucked instruments
The Aulos
Aulos is Art
Aulos player on a vase
Polykleitos, Doryphoros
Fifth Century B.C.E.: Architecture
Temple of Zeus at Olympia– Post-Persian War (470-456 B.C.E.)– Proportion and interrelationships– Divine justice
Fifth Century B.C.E.: Architecture The AcropolisPericles’ building program
– Delian League funds– Phidias (449 B.C.E.)
Parthenon– Proportion, balance– Ideal beauty in realistic terms
PropylaeaErechtheum
– Porch of the Maidens (caryatids)
[Image 3.18]Porch of the Maidens
Fourth Century B.C.E.: The Visual ArtsRealism and emotion
– Fate of the individual (Plato)Praxiteles
– Female body = object of beautyScopas
– Emotion and intensityLysippus
– Portraiture, scale
The Hellenistic PeriodDivision of Macedonian Empire
– Syria, Egypt, Pergamum, Macedonia– Spread of Greek influence
Artistic freedom vs. Classical orderNew patrons = new artistic rolesAltar of Zeus at Pergamum
– LaocoönReturn to Classic principles
Chapter Three: Discussion Questions
In what ways can the manifestation of chaos, confusion, and uncertainty be seen in art from the Classical and/or Hellenistic periods? Explain, citing specific examples.
What is the “Classical Ideal”? In what works is this ideal best illustrated? Explain.
Compare the Acropolis with the buildings at Pergamum. How does each entity symbolize the cultural attitudes of its time and locale? Explain.
What role did drama and music play in the lives of the Greeks? How were the two forms interrelated?