DAY 23

ART THROUGH THE AGES

Classical Greek & Roman Art

A CELEBRATION OF FORM

Understanding naturalistic form through direct observation of the human body and the natural world was an exercise in rational thought and a celebration of beauty for the Greeks and Romans of the Classical period.

Standing on the shoulders of hundreds of years of art and architecture, the Classical period was one of the most fruitful and influential eras in all of art history. Greek temples, painted amphorae, bass reliefs, and marble and bronze statues reflect a culture that prized balance, harmony, and natural beauty in the visual arts. A perfectly toned male body was admired and held equal value to a well-developed mind; subsequently, Classical Greek art featured many nude lads.

Zeus or Poseidon of Artemisium, bronze, 460 BCE—replica.

Having absorbed many cultures through conquest, the Roman Empire’s art was an eclectic blend of traditions, mainly Greek, making a Roman “style” hard to define. However, we do know that art was a staple of everyday life for Romans. They were prolific creators, spreading Roman values of dignity, power, and history through sculptures, coins, portraits, and murals—not to mention their architectural triumphs. Keen observation and representation of non-idealized figures became a trademark of Roman portraiture, wrinkles and all. —ARR