Blog

Chapter 5 Ancient Greece Written Assignment
Artwork 1: 5.20 Anavysos Kouros, Archaic Period
Artwork 2: 5.30 Doryphoros by Polykleitos, Classical Period
Artwork 3: 3.7 Menkaure and Queen Khamerernebty II
Two parts: Discuss the effects of Humanism on Greek art then briefly compare both to Egyptian Art.
First: How did the philosophy of humanism affect how ancient Greeks portrayed not just their gods but, most importantly, how they portrayed the common man as seen in ‘Doryphoros’ by Polykleitos of the Classical era? Briefly describe the reasons behind the transition from Archaic stiffness to Classical realism, naturalism and idealism based on the tenets of humanism. Focus most of your discussion on Doryphoros, on how the effects of humanism can be seen in Classical Greek art. Do not discuss sculptural techniques or sculptural details like kneecaps, openings or hair. The question to focus on is WHY the Greeks portrayed common men as god-like while every other ancient culture of the period was portraying men (their kings) as gods. In other words, describe how Greek philosophies differed so radically from the rest of the ancient world and how we see that influence in their art.
Then: briefly compare and contrast how Greek art differed from the Egyptian style. Discuss how their respective attitudes toward mankind in general are seen in artistic p

ortraits of Egyptian god-kings and the Classical Greek every-man (‘Doryphoros’ in particular). Don’t just describe their stylistic differences; remember to focus on how humanism is the basis of the differences between these two cultures.
Don’t spend time describing basic facts – delve into the reasons behind the artwork.
This is not a formal paper, so don’t worry about references or citing sources.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The humanism paper is not as formal as the museum paper and doesn’t have to be that long, just a page or two double-spaced. I want to know how you understand the connection between the artwork of the Greek Classical era and the concept of humanism, that is, why their artwork changed from the Archaic style to the Classical style. What influence did this philosophy have on the Greeks and how they portrayed the common man? The ancient world was vastly different in the way they depicted their king and gods; why were the Greeks different? This isn’t the same as the museum paper; I want to see how you understand this philosophy’s connection to art. The Greeks were the only ones in the ancient world who had a true system of democracy and that was a direct result of how they saw humans as independent from eachother and their gods. The philosophy of humanism had a direct and lasting effect on their society and Doryphoros is a prime example of that.