✦ Remains of ancient Greek architecture exist in the form of documentations. The Greek architecture of today follows modern trends. Their work was appreciated for many years. Lacking proper preservation, the paintings vanished after 4th century A.D. Many of the ancient Greek buildings have been destroyed due to wars and earthquakes.
parthenon on the acropolis in athens Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis ✦
Parthenon is an ancient temple built for the Greek Goddess Athena, who
is believed to protect Greece. The Parthenon is a very important
surviving temple of Greece.
✦ The ancient period can be divided
into three artistic periods, namely Archaic, the Classical, and the
Hellenistic. The art from these periods did not differ drastically.
✦
Art during the Byzantine period was based on Gods unlike that in the
Classical period which focused on man. Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, and
saints were the subjects of artworks in the Byzantine period.
✦
Cretan school was a prominent name in post-Byzantine and modern Greek
art. It was succeeded by The Heptanese School of painting that added
European influences to Greek art. Many 19th century Greek artists went
to Munich to study art. On returning to Greece, they led to the
development of a new style that was a blend of Greek and European
influences. The Greek Munich School was established. Artists from this
school chose daily living, customs, and living conditions as the
subjects of their works.
greek vases black design on white background Greek vases (black design on white background) hellenic vases
HELLENIC VASES
✦
The Greeks used pottery in their daily lives. That in the ancient
period used the colors red and black. The designs on the vases evolved
from lines and curves to human figures and intricate designs. Pots in
the Protogeometric period had designs of lines, curves, arcs, and
triangles. Vases of the 9th and 8th century BC (Geometric period)
though built around geometric figures, included some abstract forms.
Human figures also began to appear in the designs. Mid-7th century
pottery included black figures on white backgrounds. Pottery of the
middle and late Archaic period (620 to 480 BC) had human and animal
figures in black on red backgrounds. In the late 6th century, the
red-figure technique was developed, which meant red designs on black
backgrounds. Towards the culmination of 6th century BC, the white
ground technique developed. Vases of this period used paints and
gilding on white clay, thus allowing more use of colors.
GREEK VASES( BLACK DESIGN ON WHTE BACKGROUND)
✦ Metal
vessels made by the Greeks laid the foundation of the bronze working
technique. The Greek coins of today derive their patterns from those of
the ancient times.
ancient byzantine fresco Ancient Byzantine fresco ancient greek vase with flute player Flute player on ancient Greek vase
FLUTE PLAYER ON
ANCIENT GREEK VASE ANCIENT BYZANTINE FRESCO
✦
Panel and wall paintings were among the noted expressions of art by the
Greeks. Panel paintings were those done on wooden boards. The designs
included portraits and still-life. None of the famous panel paintings
have survived. Wall paintings were mostly done in the Classical and
Hellenistic periods. Not many famous works have survived. Roman
frescoes are believed to have been heavily influenced by Greek panel
paintings.
✦ Greek sculptures often portrayed their Gods and Goddesses, battles, and rulers.
✦ Greek art has inspired artists of many countries around the world.
