Architecture and statues

Our group has seen many Greek columns and statues by this time from all eras of Greek history. The oldest and most basic style of column was the Doric column shown here in the temple of Zeus at Olympia. It was also the style of the Parthenon columns. The style is fluted with a basic unadorned capital on top. The columns were bulged in the middle to eliminate the optical illusion of thinning in the center that the daylight created.

The second style of column developed in Greece was the ionic column, which had little scrolls on it. The Erechthion on the Acropolis in Athens has this style as well as the porch of Caryatids, statues of women holding up the roof. These statues had a thick braid to reinforce their necks and provide the structure necessary to hold up the roof.

The third style of column was the Corinthian column; it combined the scrolls with a frilly pattern of leaves. The columns below were seen at Philippi and the Healing center of Asclepius, respectively.

The Byzantine art style was seen at the Baptistery of Lydia with mosaic decoration and marble columns. I as awed by the splendor inside the building.

 

A Byzantine interpretation of the Corinthian column was seen in Philippi in a cathedral. The leaves were laid flat on the column rather that springing out into the air.

 Egypt was a major trading partner of Greece before the classical era and the influence was clearly seen in the stiff stance and wide face of the stone statues of humans and in the sphinxes that were depicted in many carvings. Both these pictures were taken at Delphi.

Pottery was on of the oldest forms of Greek art. Many pots and plates have been seen in all the museums.

Later the Greeks learned how to make fluid and realistic statues and began to make more dynamic poses and facial expressions. The first statue below was made from a single block of marble, seen at Olympia. The second state was at Dion in a low part of the land where water had flowed in, creating a beautiful swamp area around the ruins.

 

As the Greek art developed it become bolder in composition and this column was created, combining in a single column the Corinthian leaves with the caryatid ladies holding the roof on their heads (seen at Delphi).

   

 

One of the few surviving bronze statues was also seen at Delphi, the Charioteer. Most bronze statues were destroyed for their metal and we know about them only through the Roman marble copies. This particular statue had detailed ivory in the eyes and copper wire for eye lashes.

The statues have provided a wonderful opportunity to practice my drawing skills as well. They simplify the details and make a quick sketch much easier.

Author: Sarah Miller