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?