WEEK 3 Greece and Rome Overview

Major Points

  • Depictions of the human figure are emphasized and change throughout the various stylistic time periods as a reflection of the philosophies of the time.
  • As the Greeks lean towards the philosophy of humanism, particularly in the Classical Period, the Greek desire for perfection is reflected in the art and architecture.
  • Although the architecture of the Roman temples was strongly influenced by Greek temples, there are some distinct differences. The Romans will also use the arch and invent concrete, and that will further differentiate their architecture from that of the Greeks.
  • There will also be differences in the function and purpose of Roman architecture from that of Greek architecture. Roman architecture, and even Roman sculpture, often promoted a political agenda.
  • Realistic depictions dominate in Roman sculpture and even Hellenistic Greek sculpture, whereas idealism is dominate in Classical Greek works.

Time Periods within Greek Art Key Works Other Works of Art
Geometric: 1000-700 BCE Geometric Krater Vase  
Archaic: 700-480 BCE   New York Kouros
Classical: 480-300 BCE Parthenon Diadoumenos by Polykleitos
Hellenistic 300 BCE-100 CE Nike of Samothrace Eros Sleeping 
    Old Market Woman
    Dying Gaul
 Roman Art Augustus Prima Porta Temple of Portunus
  Arch of Titus Column of Trajan 
  Pantheon Colosseum 
 Global Perspectives Life of Buddha frieze from Gandhara