Journal Entry #6

This video demonstrates how the Ancient Greeks strived to create a perfect representation of the human body, a truly monumental part of the development of art as we know it. Although we have discussed some of the topics depicted in this video, the idea of how the Greeks stopped this realistic style over a generation sparks interest. As the video explains, the Greeks later realized that the brain needed to experience some sort of distortion.

The artist, Polyclitius, would later be explained in regards to his process and how he created a body with one side in motion, and the other in rest. 

Journal Entry #5 - Ancient Greece

Ancient Greek life was engulfed by religion and celebration of their gods. This can be associated with the immense and iconic temples that the Greeks built in their era. Although some of their temples were sometimes associated with politics and persons of power, religion was the main source of influence in regards to their undertaking.

The three systems of architecture and were called "orders". The three orders are doric, ionic, and corinthian.

Doric.

The Doric style is rather sturdy and its top is plain. This style was used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

Temples/Palaces in Doric Style = Parthenon

Ionic.

The Ionic style is thinner and more stylized. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design. This style was found in eastern Greece and the islands.

Temples/Palaces in Ionic Style = Erechtheum, The Temple of Apollo at Didyma, The Temple of Athena Nike

Corinthian.

The Corinthian style is seldom used in the Greek world, but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.

Temples/Palaces in Corinthian Style = Apollo at Bassae, Zeus at Athens

Journal Entry #4 Minoan Art

Minoan Dolphins - Fresco

Late Bronze Age (LBA)
Late Minoan I (LM I) Period
Knossos, Crete, Greece

The frescos here are a reflection of the culture of the Minoans. Dolphins and fish were prevalent in the waters that the Minoan people lived their daily lives. In many of the Minoan pieces we have viewed in class, it can be concluded or proposed that artisans and craftpersons were highly motivated by their surrounding areas and how the different lifeforms around them interacted.

The fresco seems to give the metaphor of the "circle of life". Although the painting depicts primarily dolphins, many types of smaller fish are also part of the iconography. The fresco's also persuade movement in the directions that the dolphins are traveling, giving the "circle of life" idea some truth.

To this day, tourists who visit Crete have the option of viewing these dolphins as they are highly rooted in Ancient Minoan/Greek culture.

Journal Entry #3 Minoan and Mycenean Art

Journal Entry #2

Egyptian Book of the Dead - Entry #1