by 
Mackenzie Patel
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| Spread of Hellenism in the ancient world |
Hellenism was a cultural and artistic movement that proliferated throughout the Mediterranean world from 325 BCE to 31CE. This widespread shift in perspective was caused by the heroic and legendary exploits of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king that journeyed all the way to India with his loyal troops. Hellenism literally means “Greek like,” and it is because of the diffusion of Western culture that places in the Near East began to exhibit classical influences (i.e. sculptures of the Buddha). The Hellenistic period followed the Late Classical one which was characterized by the introduction of fully nude sculptures, dominant “s-curves,” and figures with small heads. Politically, Sparta had just beaten Athens in the Peloponnesian War, paving the way for the powers of Macedon to rise up in the Mediterranean world. Overall, the Hellenistic period featured individual characters that displayed emotion and drama. The expressions were generally poignant, and the bodies were not idealized and perfect (as sculptures in the high classical period were). Figural compositions were more turbulent with subjects breaking out into the space of the viewer, and an interplay between light and dark appeared (think of Baroque paintings and sculptures). Expressionism as well as the depiction of everyday people became the norm as images of the gods, goddesses, and heroic figures were abandoned in favor of more desolate, heart wrenching characters. With all the political turbulence (i.e. the wars waged by Attalus I in Pergamon), it did not seem fitting to have art that was remote and unreachable by the masses. Perfection was dropped like a hot potato, with heightened realism taking its place. Famous sculptures (unfortunately, few frescoes or other paintings survive from this period) include the Nike of Samothrace, Dying Gaul, Laocoӧn and Sons, the Venus de Milo, and the writhing Altar of Zeus at Pergamon. All currently have ritzy homes in world renowned museums in Europe. The two we are going to look at in depth are Dying Gaul and Venus de Milo.
Mosaic of Alexander the Great at the Battle of Isis
The Dying Gaul
The Dying Gaul was a statue created in 220 BCE for the Pergamon rulers. King Attalus had recently defeated the Gauls, a barbarian people roaming around Asia Minor, and he built a series of monuments to commemorate his triumph over them. He depicted his adversaries in a humane, albeit bittersweet way; the sculptures can be read as more of a“triumph of civilization over barbarism” rather than genuine sorrow for the loss of Galatian lives. This particular Roman copy of a Dying Gaul depicts a fallen soldier about to take his last breath. The cut on his side is bleeding out, his arms are losing strength, and his hair is falling to and fro. Other symbols of his barbarian origins include his torque (necklace), his furry mustache, and chopped chair. The emotion shown on his face (a far cry from the stoic visages of Archaic and Classical Greek art) demands viewer engagement; we can’t help but feel pity for him.
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| Nike of Samothrace |
1. This art featured split second movements and dramatic, everyday subjects.
2. Diagonal (or otherwise asymmetrical) compositions were often employed.
3. There was a focus on specific individual emotion (not idealized).
4. This movement was the spread of Greek culture (mixed with eastern elements) throughout the known world.
5. Sculptures to Know: Venus de Milo, Laocoӧn and Sons, Old Market Woman, and Dying Gaul.
Old Market Woman in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
All pictures are from Wikipedia