Themes - Summary 6

Question 1

Severe Style

Answer 1

In the Severe Style, smile that characterized many sculptures of 6th century disappears. Facial features such as eyelids, nose, and mouth acquire a kind of heaviness. Hair looks much heavier as well, and is shown in a braided style which is placed around their head like a crown. Females often have head covered.

Question 2

Ponderation

Answer 2

New understanding of human body - distinction between weight-bearing and relaxed leg. This differentiation is carried into rest of body. Notion of symmetry between right and left parts of body is abandoned. Head turned to the side.

Question 3

New emphasis on axes

Answer 3

Concerned with axes other than the central vertical; this is best shown in the Tyrannicides.

Question 4

Severe style female garment

Answer 4

Return to the traditional heavy peplos. Prevents a lot of interplay between the garment and the body. Nevertheless female figures are always pondered; depending on the rending of the garment the relaxed leg becomes more or less apparent.

Question 5

Transition between Early (Severe Style) and High Classical

Answer 5

The work of Myron. Diskobolos: face is heavy and very geometrically conceived and the hair is tight on the head, showing Severe Style; however, the motif and the concept of body trapped in a tiny temporal sequence is very innovative. Athena and Marsyas also shows a moment in time.

Question 6

Understanding of the human figure

Answer 6

First, ponderation. Then with Polykleitos, almost a transformation into a mathematical formula. Trrying to find a theoretical, mathematical and ideal understanding of what nature is supposed to be.

Question 7

Rich (or Wet) Style

Answer 7

Style developed in the last three decades of the 5th century. Folds in garment are extremely rich and detailed, making the garment seem almost wet. Style is prominent in Athens and in its richness contradicts the catastrophic Peloponnesian war which destroyed Athens politically nd financially