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 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 BC Menkaure & Queen, 2500 BC 6' 4 '6'' 1'9'' 1'
Kouros, c. 600 BCE Kroisos, c. 540 BCE Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE contrapposto
Kore archaic smile
Auxerre Kore, c. 650 BCEKouros, c. 600 BCE
Peplos Kore, c. 530 BCEKroisos, c. 540 BCE
Chios Kore, c. 510 BCE Kritios Boy, c. 480 BCE