Good, Better, Best?
This activity will help you track the evolution of Greek naturalism and aesthetic ideal during the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.
For your initial post, choose two figures, one from the Archaic period and one from the Classical period. These may come from your text or be found online (you may not use the three images below:
Samos Kouros, 6th Century BCE, Samos Archaeological Museum
Naukydes, Discophoros, copy after an early 4th Century figure, marble, Musee de louvre, Paris Hagesandros, Polydoros, and Athenodoros, Laocoon, original 1st Century BCE, Marble Vatican Museums
Consider picking two males or two females for comparison. Fully introduce each work with the artist (if known), title, date, material, and present location.
Compare each work for style attributes.
As you closely examine your pair, consider the following questions:
Does the Archaic figure borrow from ancient Egyptian sculpture? Why or why not?
How does the Greek figure differ from the Egyptian style?
Does the Classical figure show an advance in naturalism? Why or why not? What did the artist do to make it more life-like? Describe details.
What was considered the ideal look for figures? Does idealism show in your examples? Why or why not?