Friday 3 September 2010

Art of Greece - Hellenistic Period - Creativity at Its Best

The art of Greece in the Hellenistic Period dates back from 323 BCE to 146 BCE, and in particular, refers to the characterization of a high degree of technical elegance blended with a taste for vivid effect. Some of the finest pieces of art works belong to this period. The phase marks the transition from a localized and solitary city-states culture to a cosmopolitan one, proliferating well to the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia too.

The Hellenistic Period was a thorough expression of the artists' inner emotions and feelings i.e., 'real,' rather than just external beauty or 'ideal.' The Hellenistic artworks mostly themed on the daily life, and on the emotive demonstration of Gods & humans, including heroes.

The architecture of the Hellenistic Period was quite innovative. The building plans were framed on natural settings, rather than operating on the space through the correction of defaults. There existed a significant rise in the numbers of theatres and parks during this period. The first ever theatre was built during this period only. In addition, the monarchies situated in several cities, especially the one situated in "Pergamon" (281-133 BC), one of the masterpieces with its famous altar, known as 'of the twelve gods' or 'of the Gods and of the giants,' are the other specialties of the period.

One of the characteristic features of the Greek Art in Hellenistic period are the "Second Classicist" sculptures, highlighting the extreme expressions of pain, stress, anger, fear, and despair, such as in "Winged Victory of Samothrace" (220-190 BC). The statue exemplifies the dramatic drapery and the supple poses with the help of transparent clothing. In "Laocoon and his Sons" (160 BC), an anguished 'Laocoon,' illustrates a father, smothered by snakes, struggling desperately to be freed, without being able to look at his dying sons. The sculpture definitely is a proficient blend of the effects of movements and deep emotions. The statues created during the Hellenistic Period instilled individuality in the subject, betraying its social qualities and attitudes. The erotic themes spread their wings too, as evident through the statues of "Aphrodite," "Eros," "Satyrs," "Dionysus," and "Pan," in myriad patterns and styles.

The Hellenistic Art also included wall paintings & mosaic art, such as the "Alexander Mosaic" (200 BC), from the House of the Faun, Pompeii. In addition, Ceramics, Metallic Arts, and Glass Art too offer ample fascinating works. Overall, the art of Greece in the Hellenistic Period underwent several transformations, and evolved on the road the 'Classical' artists paved previously, such as dramatic poses, flowing delineations, and a contrasting use of light, shadow, & emotions.




Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com

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