Hellenistic Art, part 1

I had immersed myself in Rococo art or the past few weeks, but a conversation with Joshua led me to seek out Hellenistic art this morning. This resulted in this blog; somewhat unorganized (like most) and a bit rambling. I always ramble when I talk about this era.

The Hellenistic era is marked mostly by the dath of Alexander in 323 BCE and lasted nearly 3 centuries until 31 BCE when the Battle of Actium took place, which led up to the roman invasion. Though other sources might say it ended in 146 BCE. I tend to lean towards the former.

The art of that time is primarily characterized by using a very decadent style and being very emotional and moving. It becomes quite romantic and dramatic. Most art preceeding this period was created almost solely for the glorification of man and it’s accomplishments. It exalted particular individuals such as emperors and worshipped the Gods. Sculptor Epigonos is responsible for the creation of two incredibly moving and dramatic pieces, they also represented a group of people not often protrayed; the Gauls, shown previously as barbarians. In this era they began to be shown with dignity and character.

A good example would be The Dying Gaul (230-220 BCE)by the sculptor Epigonos (who created the Hellenistic baroque style). While it is a roman copy, the work is still extraordinary, though I still get a bit upset when I know the Greek originals were made of bronze while these are stone. The use of stone caused some issues when it came to weight...but I disgress.

This piece is powerful. This man is a trumpeter who has collapsed from injury. There is a gash on his chest gushing blood; he is dying. The muscles in his body are relaxed, his face tense and agonizing. Just look at these details; the lines in his face, his veins, the feet always catch my attention a bit. They seem to be tensed and I feel like there is so much life in such the smallest detail. And one should note how strong he truly looks even with his body relaxed. It suggests he was inredibly strong and that whoever tok him down had to have been even more so.

Another piece about the Gauls is Gallic Chieftain Killing Himself and His Wife (230-220 BCE), also by Epigonos. This one is quite moving and always tugs a bit at my heartstrings. Here we see a man commiting an act of desperation. It shows and chieftain from Gual, who, following the demise of defeat; chooses suicide over surrendering to his enemies and kills his wife to spare her being sold into slavery. These acts are very hard to understand or accept outside of times, but they boil down to love and honor.

His face is intensely expressive; pained and heavy. His body is powerful and twisting in posture while his wife’s is limp and lifeless, hanging dramatically forward. This singular act can only really be appreciated in true Lysippan tradition by walking around it, it’s theactrics and intensity can only be wholely absored in this fashion. Just look at the cloth and how incredibly realistic the bodies are. Her body, covered in the cloth; makes it hard to truly picture. But that doesn't take away from the power and intenstity.

The work never fails to astound me.

Another piece representing a man defeated but glorified is the Seated Boxer (100-50 BCE). Thankfully the original is stil intact. Though the boxer is not victorious here, or young, he is a battered veteran who may or may not be looking at the man who just defeated him. Despite his age he is still respected and clearl he still retains his strength and poise, his muscles are still very toned. The other details here are also quite revealing of his life and trials boxing. His nose is broken, as are his teeth, he also has what is commonly referred to as "cauliflower ear". His face is scarred from the leather thongs used to protect their hands.

These pieces all show the strength and resilience of men in this era.

Stay tuned for more hellenistic art and my unorganized rambings.