However, it was also used to convey religious elements in a manner that was appealing to many non-believers during the period. To obtain the attention of the general population, the artwork needed to be stunning both visually and conceptual. As such the Hellenistic was the ideal candidate in which to achieve these objectives. At this time, there was also a general knowledge that the Earth was in motion, which was a giant conceptual leap to show this aspect of life in art. The idea of motion therefore, quickly entered into the Hellenistic style of painting. Compositions tended to have more open space. Objects and scenes were in a state of motion to create emotion; they either came out at the viewer or something could fall on the viewer. The motion in these pieces was created through circular or diagonal compositions. In addition the Hellenistic period was characterized with more freedoms as oppose to eras such as the Dark Ages. Many areas in Europe became more excepting and tolerant places with respect to religion and traditions. This ultimately extended into the arts which allowed women to be painters. Thinking...
Society during the Hellenistic period was generally open and free which allowed for more creative thoughtAnother work of art using nudes was dated as having been created by the end of the Hellenistic period is that of Laocoon Group. The sculpture was inspired by a legend and it is the depiction of the epic fight between Laoccon, his sons and the snakes. The admiration for the beauty of the human body that can be seen from the sculptures created during the Hellenistic period reflects
Greek Sculpture A Timeline of Greek Sculpture Polykleitos, Doryphoros (early fourth century BC) As Paul Johnson (2003) records, this ancient example of Greek classicalism "epitomizes a canon of male beauty embodied in mathematical proportions" (p. 63). Showing the perfection of contraposto, Doryphoros (or the spear-carrier) is a balanced representation of the body's muscles. Polykleitos, a contemporary of Phidias, had his own school of young artists, which carried on into the third century BC.
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