Hellenistic and Classical Greek Art-1st- 5th Century

The Iliad of Homer

762 BCE

An ancient Greek epic poem in dactylic hexameter is set during the Trojan War which spanned over ten years in the city of Troy originally set sweeten King Agamemnon and Achilles. Several Greek legends are mentioned and the outcome is the destruction of Troy

The Odyssey

725 BCE

The sequel to The Illiad, timeframe of creation is said to be sometime after The Iliad. The second part of the epic poem is said to take place after the Fall of Troy and focuses on Odysseus and his journey home and it takes him ten years to return to Ithaca meanwhile his family assumes he is dead and deals with their own woes.

Theatre of Dionysus

600 BCE

Known as a major theatre in Athens, this theatre is dedicated to Dionysus, the god of plays and wine. It can seat 17,000 people and has fantastic acoustics, known to be the first theatre ever built. Alterations have been made during the Hellenistic period. Time of creation is said to be in the 6th century but no specific dates have been confirmed.

Ares

570 BCE

This piece is located on the handle of the Francois Vase, showing Ares crouching down with the name Artemis behind him, Ares in front of him, and he is armed as a sixth century warrior. The rest of the famous is covered in more mythical images, most inspired by the Iliad.

The Wedding of Zeus and Hera

540 BCE

This piece is on a metope at the Temple of Hera, this depiction shows Hera exposing herself to Zeus as a sign of sexual submission.

Amphora

535 BCE

Created by Exekias, the vase painting depicts Achilles and Ajax playing a game. Exekias was known to depict mythological traditions and new fashions. Achilles and Ajax are facing the board and sit across from one another and are considered to be on duty based on their body armor and spears.

The Siren Vase

480 BCE

A reference to Homer’s Odyssey, including tales of sirens who have the power of song and lure men to their death. This story is painted on a vase and captures the tension of survival at sea. It tells a story of tragedies, provides the viewer with a scene to place the action.

Fallen Warrior from Temple of Aphasia

475 BCE

This statue shows a strong man fallen, heroic to his last breath on a temple on the Greek Island of Aegina.

The Charioteer of Delphi

475 BCE

The Charioteer of Delphi was one of the first ancient bronze sculptures created between 474 and 478 BCE. Usually they melted down raw materials or those that were naturally corroded to create the bronze look. The sculpture survived because it was buried under a rock and is of a young man from a noble family.

Temple of Zeus

457 BCE

Built in Olympia, Greece this temple was dedicated to Zeus and developed in the Doric order. Contraction started in 470 BCE and ended in 457 BCE. the temple was destroyed in 426, 522, and 551. It stands 68 feet tall and was designed by Libon. It has a front porch in the front and rear of the temple followed by two rows of seven columns.

Discobolus

455 BCE

The Discobolus of Myron is a sculpture showing a young athlete throwing discs and captures athletic energy as well as harmony and balance. The lack of expression on the sculptures face mixed with the improper form of holding a disc is said to show advancement in sculpture form.

Metope from the Parthenon

440 BCE

Based on the Trojan War and the reality of wars between Persia and Greek cities, this shows conflict in its popular form. This sculpture shows a battle between centaurs and lapiths

Parthenon

432 BCE

The most well known temple on the Acropolis of Athens was built between 447 and 432 BCE in the Age of Pericles and dedicated to Athena. It has several sculptures that contribute to the temple being a major point in Greek Art. Greek architecture is central in art as architecture, it stands apart from other areas on a global scale and provides a sense of history and beauty.

The Colossus of Rhodes

280 BCE

A Statue of the Greek titan god of the sun, Helios created by Chares of Lindos in 280 BC. It was created to celebrate victor of Cyprus and stood over 108 feet high.

Victorious Youth

250 BCE

The sculpture is also known as the Getty Bronze, this bronze statue was found off the coast of Italy, having lost its feet. His hand crosses to touch the wreath upon his head, and although he is mostly bronze, he has copper parts and stands at 5 feet tall.This piece shows confidence despite its missing pieces.

Pergamon Altar

200 BCE

Constructed during the ruling of King Eumenes II in the city of Pergamon. It is decorated to show the battle between the Giants and the Olmpian gods, excavations had to be completed to restore and maintain several altar friezes and the foundation. The original build date is unknown but said to be round the 2nd century

Nike of Samothrace

190 BCE

Also know as The Winged Victory of Samthrace is a marble Hellenistic sculpture of Nike the goddess of victory. It was created out of Parian marble currently located in Paris standing at 8 feet. The sculpture is said to convey action and triumph. This piece showcases pride and glory not just in actions but in this work as well.

The Pergamon Altar

170 BCE

These sculptures are full of passion and psychological drama, caught between the Ancient Greek and Hellenistic age it shows Athena against Alcyoneus. This piece connects its viewers through its drama and passion.

Head of Polyphemos

150 BCE

A sculpture of Polyphemus, the giant son of Poseidon and Thoosa in Greek mythology. The piece is made out of Dolomitic marble from the Greek island of Thasos. It sits without a body, drawing the focus in on the centered eye, unlike any other piece.

Aphrodite of Milos

130 BCE

Depicts the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is made of marble and stands 6 feet high. It is well known due to part of an arm and original plinth that is missing. While there has been some argument on the creator, it is now known to be created by Alexandros of Antioch. Removed from its original location, it still ha classic beauty despite its missing pieces