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  • Essay / Similarities and Differences of Art in the Classical and Hellenistic Periods

    The Classical and Hellenistic periods were two of the most influential eras of Greek art. It influenced much of Western civilization. Two of the sculptures I chose to focus on for each period were Doryphorus from the Classical period and the Winged Victory of Samothrace from the Hellenistic period. Both are completely fascinating and have similar but different types of features that make them attractive and beautiful. In this essay we will discuss the techniques both sculptures used, the themes they present, how each sculpture represents their respective time period, and how political changes affected the sculptors and their work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first sculpture I would like to compare is Doryphorus from the classical era. The sculpture is made of bronze and was sculpted by Polycleitos measuring approximately 6 feet and 11 inches. Polykleitos created the sculpture using his canon method. Canon is a set of mathematical rules for creating proportional body parts. This was to secure the idea of ​​a perfect body that was favored in the art of classical sculpture. The simple idea of ​​creating a human from mathematics was a highly improved technology that the Greeks found astonishing. Polykleitos was also known for creating young athletes. One thing to compare was that the body movement or symmetry was not rigid like the archaics. Polykleitos used contrapposto to show harmony and counterbalance. Contrapposto played a large role in the sculptures of the classical era. Contrapposto can be seen on Colorado potato beetle standing on its right foot with its left leg and right arm relaxed, bearing its weight on its right leg and left hand where the spear is supposed to be. His turned head shows the break in symmetry unlike sculptures passed through time. It is intended to be shown as animated characters or as in reality. The next sculpture I like to compare is the Winged Victory of Samothrace. This is a sculpture of the god Nike. Nike is the goddess of victory, also known as the messenger goddess. This sculpture was made from Parian marble and stands an impressive 9 feet tall. The sculpture was found on an island called Samothrace. It is said that in the port where he was located, the wind made it seem as if his draperies were blowing in the wind. This work of Hellenistic art differs from classical art in the emotion it conveys. On this sculpture, we can see her voluptuousness and her energy swept by the wind. It is as if she is reacting to the environment and it shows how the sculptor celebrated her body. It is unclear who this sculpture is, but some believe it to be the work of Pythoncritus. In the classical era, emphasis was placed on following rules such as canons, naturalism, and religion. Hellenism focused more on the idea of ​​freedom, using more nude women, dramatic expressions, and spiritualism. The Doryphorus sculpture really highlights the idea of ​​a perfect body. This doesn't really embody reality but rather what was in the sculptor's mind. It brought his image to life. It also embodies the idea of ​​harmony and balance that was much of the Classical period. It highlights his build, his muscular body, that of a warrior, supposed to hold a spear. Classical art is also about emotion. Here he looks very confident and self-assured. The winged victory of Samothrace is a great..