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.

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Hellenistic Art - A Symbol of the Rich Greek Milieu

The Hellenistic civilization encompassed a wide territory, starting from south-west Asia to North-east Africa between 323 BC and 146 BC. Thus, it became a representation of Greek's strong influence in the older world. This influence is predominant even in the Hellenistic art, which embodies the ancient Greek culture with some fragments of other indigenous cultures.

Hellenistic Art: An Amalgamation of the Traditional and the Eccentric

Diversity, in terms of subject matter and style, is evident in Hellenistic art. The art in those times comprised mostly of representations of the Greek gods.

Popular deity symbols in the art were mostly of:

* Dionysos or the god of wine

* Hermes, who was the god of commerce

* Eros, the Greek symbol of love

With time, the subject matter of Hellenistic art espoused unorthodox themes, such as grotesque figures. Images of ethnic people, particularly Africans, were also incorporated in Hellenistic artifacts. Such works of art provide an illustration of the diversity of the Hellenistic populace.

Hellenistic Antiquities: A Canvas for Hellenistic Art

Hellenistic art was not merely restricted to paintings and sculptures. Striking illustrations and designs can also be observed in common articles such as utensils, tools and urns.

Some popular Hellenistic antiquities are:

Terracotta: Terracotta figurines were previously created in Hellenistic Greece for religious purposes only. Later, they were crafted for funerary and decorative purposes. Most Hellenistic terracotta antiquities, even the miniature statues, are highly detailed.

Vases: Painting on vases was not a common feature in the Hellenistic period. Clay vases were typically black and uniform, having simple motifs of festoons and flowers. Vases in relief, which were imitations of vases made with precious metals, were also common during this period. Metal-based vases were also designed copiously, having detailed and remarkable artwork. The usage of ornamental motifs and insetting of precious-stones was widespread in the Hellenistic metal vase designs.

Gems and jewelry: The jewelers during the Hellenistic era excelled at details and filigrees. Moreover, with the flourishing of precious stones, jewelry stone-insetting took on a whole new form.

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