Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was an influential Greek sculptor from the Classical period, renowned for his works that exemplified the ideals of proportion and beauty through mathematical ratios. He is best known for developing the 'Canon', a set of rules for the ideal human form, which significantly bridged the transition from Archaic to Classical sculpture, emphasizing realistic anatomy and movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos flourished in the 5th century BCE, during a time when Greek art was transitioning to more realistic forms.
2. His work emphasized harmony and symmetry, reflecting the belief that beauty could be achieved through mathematical ratios.
3. Polykleitos's Doryphoros became a model for later generations of sculptors, showcasing idealized human anatomy.
4. He believed that the best way to depict a figure was through a balance of physical strength and grace, which was revolutionary at the time.
5. Many ancient sources, including writings by Pliny the Elder, documented Polykleitos’s impact on sculpture and his principles that guided subsequent artistic endeavors.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos's Canon influence the development of sculpture in Classical Greece?
  • Polykleitos's Canon had a profound impact on Classical Greek sculpture by establishing a systematic approach to proportion and beauty. His mathematical ratios defined the ideal human form, influencing not only his contemporaries but also generations of artists who followed. This focus on proportion allowed for a more realistic and harmonious representation of the human figure, marking a significant shift from the stylized forms of the Archaic period.
• Discuss how Polykleitos's use of contrapposto contributed to the naturalism seen in his works.
  • Polykleitos utilized contrapposto to create a sense of movement and realism in his sculptures, departing from the rigid poses common in earlier Archaic art. By shifting the weight onto one leg while allowing the other to relax, he conveyed a lifelike quality that suggested action and dynamism. This technique enhanced the emotional expression of his figures and became a standard practice in Classical sculpture, contributing to its overall naturalism.
• Evaluate the significance of Polykleitos’s Doryphoros in relation to both art history and cultural ideals in ancient Greece.
  • Polykleitos's Doryphoros is significant not only as an artistic achievement but also as a reflection of ancient Greek cultural ideals regarding beauty, strength, and athleticism. The sculpture embodies Polykleitos's principles of ideal proportions and has been hailed as an epitome of male beauty in antiquity. Its influence extended beyond its time, shaping how subsequent artists interpreted the human body and ideals of masculinity. The Doryphoros serves as a benchmark in art history for evaluating classical beauty and continues to be studied for its technical mastery and philosophical implications.

Related terms

Canon: A set of rules established by Polykleitos that defined the ideal proportions of the human body in sculpture, influencing artists for centuries.

Contrapposto: A sculptural scheme where the weight of the body is balanced on one leg, creating a sense of dynamism and naturalism.

Doryphoros: One of Polykleitos's most famous sculptures, representing a spear-bearer and demonstrating his principles of proportion and contrapposto.