La escultura griega. Época Helenística.

The Hellenistic Period: Art and Culture

Overview of the Hellenistic Era

• The Hellenistic period spans from the late 4th century BC until the Roman conquest, marked by the decline of city-states and the rise of Hellenistic kingdoms after Alexander the Great's conquests.

• Greek art expanded geographically to regions as far as India, influenced by Eastern cultures, with art serving new rulers rather than city-states, leading to a loss of artist recognition.

Artistic Characteristics

• A stylistic fragmentation occurred with distinct schools emerging in cities like Pergamon, Rhodes, Athens, and Alexandria; sculptures were heavily influenced by post-classical styles.

• The era is characterized by a shift from idealism to naturalism in art, depicting humans at all life stages rather than just in their prime.

Themes and Representations

• Artists began portraying diverse characters without idealization—showing deformities or illnesses—and frequently depicted women in various humanized poses.

• Common people were represented in everyday actions; realistic portraits emerged that emphasized psychological depth over classical serenity.

Dynamic Compositions

• Sculptures became more complex and dynamic, emphasizing movement and tension while allowing for multiple viewing angles; grand sculptural groups appeared.

• The eclectic school of Athens combined classical ideals with sensuality from Praxiteles and Lysippus while also producing starkly realistic portraits.

Notable Centers of Sculpture

• Pergamon became a key center for sculpture known for its dramatic realism and themes reflecting pathos; works often featured powerful muscular forms.

• The Altar of Zeus at Pergamon showcases a high relief depicting the battle between Olympian gods and giants—a metaphor for civilization triumphing over barbarism.

Expressive Techniques

• Sculptures displayed vigorous compositions filled with movement; figures exhibited exaggerated anatomical features conveying intense emotions through facial expressions.

The Dramatic Expressions in Sculpture

Emotional Impact of Sculptural Faces

• The faces depicted show expressions of profound pain, characterized by furrowed brows, wide-open eyes, and slightly parted mouths.

• Contrasting textures of light and the bodies of the priest and his children enhance the emotional drama portrayed in the sculpture.

• The open, complex, and diagonally balanced composition contributes to a theatrical sense of imbalance and tension.

Characteristics of Monumental Sculptures

• Monumental sculptural groups are noted for their dynamic complexity; they often feature an open composition that invites viewer engagement.

• An example is the "Toro Farnesio," which exemplifies this school's characteristic style with its dramatic treatment of drapery affected by wind.