Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was a renowned ancient Greek sculptor of the Classical period, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the development of realistic and idealized human forms in sculpture. He is best known for his work, the 'Doryphoros' or 'Spear Bearer,' which exemplifies the transition from the earlier Archaic style to a more naturalistic representation of the human body, emphasizing balance and proportion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos created a canon of proportions that defined an ideal human figure based on mathematical ratios, influencing generations of artists.
2. His most famous work, 'Doryphoros,' showcases a muscular male athlete holding a spear, epitomizing the Classical ideal of beauty and physical perfection.
3. Polykleitos was also known for his treatise, 'Kanon,' which laid out his theories on proportion and symmetry in art.
4. He is considered one of the key figures in the evolution of sculpture from the rigid poses typical of the Archaic period to more fluid and dynamic representations seen in Classical works.
5. 'Doryphoros' is often cited as a prime example of contrapposto, where the figure's relaxed stance conveys a sense of movement and life.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos' work contribute to the transition from Archaic to Classical styles in Greek sculpture?
  • Polykleitos' work marked a significant shift in Greek sculpture by introducing more realistic representations of the human form. His emphasis on idealized proportions and balance contrasted sharply with the more rigid and stylized figures typical of the Archaic period. By employing techniques like contrapposto, Polykleitos created figures that appeared more natural and dynamic, reflecting a deeper understanding of human anatomy and movement.
• What are some key features of Polykleitos' 'Doryphoros' that exemplify his artistic philosophy?
  • 'Doryphoros' is a hallmark of Polykleitos' artistic philosophy, illustrating his canon of proportions that combines symmetry with anatomical accuracy. The statue's contrapposto stance demonstrates a natural shift in weight that conveys life-like movement. Furthermore, its idealized musculature reflects Polykleitos’ belief in beauty rooted in mathematical harmony, making it a defining piece of Classical art that influenced future generations.
• In what ways did Polykleitos influence later artists and sculptors in their approach to naturalism and proportion?
  • Polykleitos profoundly influenced later artists through his exploration of naturalism and proportionality, setting standards for beauty that became foundational in Western art. His 'Kanon' outlined principles that many subsequent sculptors, such as Phidias and Lysippos, adopted or adapted in their works. By emphasizing balance, harmony, and the use of contrapposto, he provided a template for creating lifelike figures that conveyed emotion and movement, shaping artistic practice for centuries.

Related terms

Contrapposto: A sculptural technique where the weight of the body is distributed unevenly on one leg, creating a sense of dynamism and naturalism in the figure.

Kritios Boy: A significant statue that marks the shift from Archaic to Classical style in Greek sculpture, showcasing early signs of contrapposto and a more lifelike representation.

Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects, often used in both sculpture and painting.