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The Classical Art Period

overview of the classical aesthetic

The Classicism definition of art and architecture from the Greco-Roman eras emphasizes the qualities of balance, harmony, idealization, and sense of proportion.  The human form was a common subject of Classical art.

ANCIENt GREECE

EARLY MYCENAEAN INFLUENCES

Mycenaean civilization is considered the first Greeks, and their art, sculpture, and architecture were fundamental building blocks for Greek Classicism.

GREEK ARCHAIC PERIOD

For the Greeks of this period, the nude male figure represented the epitome of bodily beauty and character nobility.

CLASSICISM SCULPTURE

The sculpted representations of the human figure were more idealistic than realistic. Archaic Greek sculpture captures human movement through realistic anatomy.

CLASSICAL GREECE

The philosophy, art, science, politics, and architecture of this period were influential for the developing Western civilization and the Roman Empire.

the golden ratio

A substantial amount of Ancient Greek architecture employed the golden ratio, with perhaps the most well-known being the Parthenon.

ancient GREEK architecture

Ancient Greek architecture is perhaps best known for its temples that embody the cultural emphasis on formal unity.

ROMAn EMPIRE

roman architecture & engineering

The Roman era saw an age of incredible architecture, not only for pleasure, but also to improve city life like aqueducts, bridges, and apartment buildings.

THE IMPERIAL ROMAN EMPIRE

Lavish art defined this period. Grand architectural buildings were decorated with extravagant frescos and commissioned portraits of the wealthy.

CLASSICISM ART REVIVAL

As we have explored in Greek and Roman art and architecture, proportion, beauty, and orderliness were key elements of Italian Renaissance Classicism art.

LONG LIVE CLASSICISM

The Legacy of Classicism did not fall with the Roman Empire. The influence of Classical Greek and Roman architecture and art permeates all art periods and movements in the Western world.