1. It’s All Greek To Me! Ancient Greek Art
The art of ancient Greece is the origin of the art of the western world. It was in Greece that artists first developed the idea of art as a naturalistic imitation of reality, and in Greece that artists first established the principles of harmony and beauty in art. Greek art styles set the standard in the Roman civilization that followed, and it inspired the Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo almost 2000 years later.
Over the span of one thousand years, Greek art styles evolved from abstract to representational. We will explore the developing styles by looking at three major periods: Geometric, Archaic, and Classical.
As we look at the various Greek styles, we will learn to use the terms realistic and idealistic appropriately.

2. Geometric Greek Art 1200 – 600 BC
Geometric Greek art gets its name from the geometric patterns that were commonly used. In fact, geometric art is primarily about pattern. There were very few images of people in the art, and when there were, they were very abstract. Most art from this period is known from pottery, which was a common art form and was also durable enough to survive over the centuries. The pottery was made from red/orange clay and shaped on a wheel. The designs were made with wet clay called slip, which was mixed with minerals to give them colour. Iron was used to make black slip, iron oxide made red, and very pure clay was sometimes used to make white slip. Once fired in a kiln, the images became a permanent part of the pottery.
Dipylon Amphora
An amphora was a type of large storage jar in Greece, much like barrels in our culture. They were used to transport goods like olive oil and grains. This very large one, however, was used as a gravemarker in the Dipylon cemetery, which was a common practice. It is almost entirely covered with geometric designs made with black slip, but one part shows a funeral procession and another features chariots and horses. The figures and animals are very abstract.

3. Geometric Greek Art 1200 – 600 BC

4. Geometric Greek Art 1200 – 600 BC

5. Archaic Greek Art 600 – 480 BC Lady of Auxerre
Archaic Greek art uses less geometric design, and images of people fill the space instead. The art often depicts mythological characters and their stories. The style is more realistic, or life-like, although they are still unnaturally stiff and their proportions are not entirely accurate. Archaic artists developed two new techniques, called Red Figure and Black Figure design.
Lady of Auxerre
The Auxerre statuette, from the 7th century BC, is 75cm tall and is what is known as a kore figure: a sculpture of a young maiden. Kore figures were very common during the archaic period. Like the Archaic paintings, there are numerous proportions and details that are unrealistic, and the figure’s posture is rigid.
Warrior’s Farewell c.450 BC
Red Figure Design
This pot shows a young warrior saying goodbye to his family before leaving for war. The artist filled the background with black slip (the clay is orange), and added details with a fine brush.
Ajax and Achilles Playing Game c.540BC
Black Figure Design
This pot depicts the legendary Ajax and Achilles playing a game of dice before the Battle of Troy, in which they both die. The artist used black slip to paint a silhouette, and then scratched fine details into the black to expose the orange clay.

6. Archaic Greek Art 600 – 480 BC

7. Classical Greek Art 479-323 BC FEATURES
The ‘golden era’ of Greece began after the Greeks successfully pushed back a Persian invasion. This victory helped bring the Greek city states together and inspired great pride in their culture. Classical Greek art set the standard for harmony and beauty in art, and has been the inspiration for most art in the Western world.
FEATURES
Very naturalistic anatomy and drapery
Graceful curves
Idealized figures
Calm and serene - no emotion
The Disc Thrower
c. 450 BC
This sculpture shows an athlete in action. While very realistic in style and appearance, it is not entirely realistic in every way: it is a too perfect specimen of a male figure, and the pose is unrealistically arranged so that the sculpture presents two graceful curves. The Greeks valued beauty and harmony, and often idealized their sculptures.
Eirene Holding the Child Ploutos
c. 370 BC
This sculpture shows Peace (Eirene) holding Wealth (Ploutos), creating a lesson in wisdom for the viewer. The drapery is very realistic in style, and the proportions are life-like.
While realistic in appearance, the subject matter is very idealistic. Eirene is flawless and serene – more perfect than any real mother and child. Furthermore, she stands in a relaxed pose, leaning on one leg. This pose is called contrapposto (Italian for “set opposite”) and was used to give the figure a graceful ‘S’ curve.

8. Classical Greek Art BC

9. Greek Art – In Full, Original Colour! 600 – 480 BC

10. Greek Art – In Full, Original Colour! 600 – 480 BC

11. Check In Questions
How is art in the western world today connected to ancient Greek art?
What characteristics would help you identify a piece of Geometric Greek pottery?
What media did the Greeks use to paint their pottery?
List three features of Archaic Greek pottery painting.
Explain the difference between Red Figure Design and Black Figure Design in your own words.
In what ways is the Lady of Auxerre not entirely realistic?
Describe how both the Disc Thrower and Eirene use graceful curves.
Using specific details, describe how Classical Greek sculptures are realistic in appearance.
Explain how Classical Greek sculptures are idealistic.

12. A Step Further Questions
Define the terms realism and idealism. For each definition, choose at least one specific example from the lesson to help explain your definition.
Your Turn
Look up some of the typical patterns used on Geometric pottery as well as some of the typical shapes of Geometric Greek pots, and sketch an original pot design in the Geometric Greek style.
With the help of a partner or two, photograph yourself in the position of one of the Classical or Hellenistic sculptures included in the lesson. Print it and attach it to your answer sheet.
Use acrylic paint on a photocopy of one of the Greek statues to apply colour the way the Greeks did originally.

13. What Style Am I?

14. What Style Am I?

15. What Style Am I?

16. What Style Am I?