La escultura griega. Época clásica. Siglos V y IV a. C.

The Evolution of Classical Sculpture in the 5th and 4th Centuries BC

Transition from Archaic to Classical Styles

• The 5th and 4th centuries BC marked a period of perfection and consolidation in classical models, moving away from archaic conventions like frontal rigidity.

• Three distinct periods are identified: the Severe style (early 5th century), First Classicism (late 5th century), and Second Classicism (4th century). The Severe style represents a transition towards classicism.

• Sculptors began to explore movement, breaking free from the static nature of earlier works. This led to increased viewpoints and dynamic poses in sculptures.

Advancements in Naturalism

• The introduction of contrapposto is highlighted by the example of Critios' youth, showcasing a shift towards naturalistic representation with relaxed postures.

• An example is the Poseidon from Cape Artemision, which displays mature anatomy and beauty while hinting at frozen movement despite some archaic features remaining.

• A contrast exists between mobile limbs and a rigidly severe expression on faces, indicating an evolution in emotional representation during this period.

Expanding Themes and Representations

• The range of subjects broadened, as seen in the Tyrannicides group representing civic themes like freedom and rebellion against tyranny.

• In bronze works by Pythagoras, elements combine archaic styles with modernity; figures exhibit less symmetry but maintain some rigidity while introducing more dynamic poses.

Peak of Classical Idealism

• By the late 5th century BC, classical ideals reached their zenith with an emphasis on physical beauty balanced by spiritual serenity through rationality and proportion.

• Myron's Discobolus exemplifies these ideals through its depiction of athletic beauty without religious connotations; it focuses solely on human form as an aesthetic achievement.

Innovations in Movement Representation

• Myron captures motion at its peak tension while still retaining some archaic traits such as planar figure conception.

Artistic Representation and Balance in Classical Sculpture

Dynamic Posture and Balance

• The posture described involves one leg bearing the body's weight while the other is flexed, creating a dynamic balance of curves that conveys both stability and a sense of slow movement.

• The head turns towards the body, with a serene expression reflecting perfect physical and spiritual equilibrium between body and mind, showcasing geometric elements in the anatomy.

Influence of Fides on Classical Art

• Fides represents the pinnacle of classicism through compositional mastery, ideal beauty, and serene expressions; he was seen as a model for balance and perfection during his time.

• His sculptures exemplify human archetypes achieving harmony between physical beauty and spirituality, notably contributing to significant works like the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos in the Parthenon.

Compositional Perfection in Sculptures

• The pediments created by Fides are noted for their compositional perfection, featuring figures arranged dynamically within the triangular space, introducing movement into sculpture.

• The centauromachy relief symbolizes Greek victory over Persians, contrasting civilization's values against chaos through dynamic postures and natural anatomical studies.

Celebrating Athenian Culture

• The interior frieze of the Panathenaic festival depicts Athenians presenting offerings to Athena, blending citizens with deities in an anthropocentric representation that highlights civic pride.

• This work epitomizes classical ideals—serenity, proportionate forms—and showcases naturalism through drapery that enhances volume while revealing human anatomy beneath.

Transition to Post-Classical Sculpture

• In the 4th century BC, post-classical sculptors moved away from rigid norms toward stylized representations emphasizing naturalism while softening anatomical features.

• New sculptural models emerged focusing on female nudes as ideals of beauty; sculptures gained depth by breaking frontal rigidity for more dynamic three-dimensionality.

Praxiteles' Innovations

• Praxiteles introduced softer anatomical treatments with an emphasis on sensuality; his figures appear lifelike rather than stone-like due to delicate modeling techniques.

• His works feature gentle facial features with smooth transitions in marble surfaces; he emphasized contrapposto stance which adds sensuality to his figures.

Emotional Expression in Sculpture

• Praxiteles often depicted youthful bodies with elegant forms conveying serenity mixed with dreaminess; this emotional depth marked a shift from earlier classical expressions.

The Evolution of Male Beauty in Sculpture

New Concepts of Masculine Beauty

• Lisipo introduced a new model of male beauty characterized by a more natural and slender form, adhering to a proportion of 7.5 to 8 heads tall.

• This model emphasizes elongated limbs and a finer head, moving away from traditional heroic representations to portray everyday human experiences.

• The apoxionos sculpture exemplifies this shift, depicting a figure engaged in the mundane act of cleaning with a strigil, highlighting humanization over idealism.

Artistic Techniques and Perspectives

• The treatment of skin and musculature is soft and delicate, reflecting not only muscle shape but also subcutaneous fat for realism.

• This artwork breaks from frontal representation, utilizing foreshortening and transverse lines that extend into space, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the piece.

Dynamic Expression in Hellenistic Sculpture

• Sculptures can be viewed from multiple angles, encouraging viewers to move around them for a comprehensive experience that reveals different forms and perspectives.

• Scopas introduces elements such as movement, agitation, and passion into his sculptures, paving the way for greater expressiveness in Hellenistic art.