The Four Art Periods; Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic (Essay Sample)

The Four Art Periods; Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic

The human figure in Greek art developed with an observable trend through the art periods of Greek culture. While there are four art periods; geometric, archaic, classical and Hellenistic, the evolution of the human form is perceived more accurately from the archaic to the Hellenistic period. The development of the human figure in Greek culture can be highlighted through a comparison of specific pieces of art from the various periods.
Archaic Period (600–480/479 BCE)
In this period, the sculptures had four unique sides, reflecting the shape of the block from which they were carved. Sculptors did not make a conscious attempt to give the sculptures portrait traits, therefore the representations can only represent individuals in a broad sense (Davies 113-114).  The trend in advancement is also visible in this period where the more naturalistic a sculptures is, the newer it is.  For example, the much newer Kore (Figure 1.1), from Chios is visibly more naturalistic than Kroisos Kouros from Anavysos (Figure 1.2).
Figure 1.1 (Kore, from Chios)
Figure 1.2 (Kroisos Kouros from Anavysos).
The Classical Period (510 BCE –323 BCE)
The experimentation with realism and naturalism of the sculptures was already evident at the end of the archaic period. However, the classical period was marked with more aesthetically pleasing, accurate and natural postures. The sculptures gave their art a sense of realism through the turning of the head, parting of the lips, and muscular bodies among other techniques (Davies 123-124). The development of the sculptures in this period is divided into a steady transition from the early classical period to the late classical period. In the earlier sculptures (Figure 2.1), the use of naturalism is evident where the weight of the body has shifted. In the late classical period, one of the most significant developments was the much more realistic eyes where they had a bulge to create a shadow (Figure 2.2).