The Greek World

Periods of Development in Greek History• Prehistoric

– Cycladic - 2,500 BCE

– Minoan – 1,700 BCE

– Mycenaean – 1,500 BCE

– Dark Ages – 1,200 BCE to 800 BCE

• Pre-geometric– Strongly influenced by Aegean pottery. This

period coincides with the end of the Aegean dark ages

• Geometric – 900 BCE – 700 BCE

– Greek vase painting become very geometric in design and shows influences of Mesopotamian & Egyptian art.

• Orientalizing - 700 BCE – 600 BCE

– Pottery displays a fascination with Near Eastern motifs

• Archaic Period – 600 BCE – 480 BCE

– They begin to experiment with the human form. Vase painting at its height, sculpture & architecture being developed.

– Characteristic: Archaic smile

• Early Classical – 480 BCE – 450 BCE

– Following defeat of invading Persians, Greeks enter a new period. The new Greek identity is galvanized by the victory celebrating the victory of reason over the barbarians.

– Characteristic: Contrapposto stance

• High Classical – 450 BCE – 400 BCE

– Golden age of Greece. Athens was their cultural center. This period ends with conquest by the Macedonians and the rule of Alexander the Great. Sculpture & architecture at the height of achievement.

• Late Classical – 400 BCE – 323 BCE

– This period extends from the end of the Peloponnesian War to the death of Alexander the Great.

– Characteristic: Development of the female nude

• Hellenistic – 323 BCE – 31 BCE

– The empire was divided among Alexander’s generals. Diverse period. Lost idealism of classical age, but gained realism

– Characteristic: Realism, emotion

Archaic Greek Sculpture

Kouros, MMA, c. 600 BCEMenkaure & Queen, 2500 BCE

Kouros, MMA, c. 600 BCMenkaure & Queen, 2500 BC

6'4 '6''

1'9''

1'

Kouros, c. 600 BCE Kroisos, c. 540 BCE

Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE

contrapposto

Kore

archaicsmile

Auxerre Kore, c. 650 BCE Kouros, c. 600 BCE

Peplos Kore, c. 530 BCE Kroisos, c. 540 BCE

Chios Kore, c. 510 BCE Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE