High Classical Period

Study Notes

Timeframe: 450-400 BCE; era highlighted by the defeat of Persians and the peak of Greek civilization.
Notable advancements in sculpture and architecture; anatomy and drapery detail became more refined.
Polykleitos established a canon of proportions for ideal sculpture; Iktinos and Kallikrates utilized mathematical principles for temple design, believing beauty stems from harmonic numbers.

Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer)

Sculpted by Polykleitos, represents the ideal male figure and embodies classical artistic principles.
Incorporates contrapposto and a system of balanced proportions for realistic movement.

Parthenon

Designed by Iktinos and Kallikrates; made of marble representing peak architectural achievement.
Features a Doric temple style, dedicated to Athena Parthenos; underwent several changes over time.
Notably irregular shape despite mathematical precision; utilizes architectural contrapposto to enhance visual depth.

Athena Parthenos

Massive statue located in the Parthenon's cella; stands at 38 feet tall, composed of gold and ivory.
Depicts Athena fully armed, holding a representation of Nike; symbolizes victory and the triumph of civilization over chaos.
Statue's materials were later melted down, reflecting the transient nature of such works.

Temple of Athena Nike

Constructed between 427-424 BCE, designed by Kallikrates in an Ionic style.
Celebrates victory over Persians, adorned with multiple images of Nike, often linked to rituals and trophy-display.

Nike Adjusting Her Sandal

Sculpted relief within the Temple of Athena Nike; showcases almost transparent garments and delicate depiction of the female form.
Highlights the interplay of flowing material and body outline, exemplifying high classical stylistic features.

Grave Stele of Hegeso

Created around 400 BCE, attributed to Kallimachos; a relief piece marking Hegeso's tomb.
Illustrates a serene moment between a mistress and servant, reflecting societal roles of women in domestic vs. public spheres.
Represents patriarchal themes in art and serves as an enduring grave marker.

Plaque of Ergastines

Dates between 447-410 BCE; artifact by Iktinos and Kallikrates with hierarchical relief work.
Depicts six Ergastines in a religious procession, celebrating both the deities and Athenian civic life.

Diskobolos (Discus Thrower)

Sculpted around 450 BCE, represents dynamic movement captured in a discus throw; notable for its vigorous action.
Artist achieves interest through the creation of dynamic arcs in the athlete's pose.

Riace Warrior

Bronze statue from around 450 BCE, features intricate details such as embedded eyes and copper accents.
Employs contrapposto to convey natural motion; hollow-casting technique used due to the cost and impracticality of solid bronze.

Pericles

A prominent figure around 429 BCE known for contributing to an idealized representation of man; emphasized noble appearance in art.

Erechtheion

Marks the significance of Athena's victory over Poseidon; housed a wooden statue of Athena for its festivals.
Characterized by Ionic design with Caryatids substituting traditional columns, showcasing unique architectural innovation.

Propylaia

Built between 437-423 BCE; serves as a grand entrance to the Acropolis.
Combines Doric and Ionic elements, illustrating the complexity of Classical architecture in monumental forms.

Description

Explore the High Classical Period of Greek Art, a pivotal era from 450 BCE to 400 BCE that showcases the pinnacle of Greek civilization. This quiz highlights key developments in architecture, sculpture, and painting, focusing on the works of famous artists like Polykleitos. Test your knowledge on the advancements in anatomy and drapery during this influential period.