Pythagoreanism

Definition

Pythagoreanism is a philosophical and religious doctrine founded by Pythagoras in the 6th century BCE, emphasizing the importance of numbers, mathematical relationships, and harmony in the universe. This belief system deeply influenced the arts, especially sculpture, where ideals of proportion and balance emerged as key characteristics during the Severe Style, reflecting a quest for aesthetic perfection and spiritual significance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pythagoreanism is not just a mathematical theory; it encompasses a way of life that combines philosophy, religion, and the pursuit of knowledge.
2. Pythagoreans believed that numbers held mystical significance and that understanding these relationships could lead to greater insight into the nature of existence.
3. In sculpture, the Severe Style reflects Pythagorean ideals through its emphasis on symmetry and idealized human forms, embodying a harmonious balance.
4. The influence of Pythagoreanism can be seen in the careful attention to proportions in sculptures from this period, which aimed to achieve aesthetic beauty consistent with natural laws.
5. Artists during this time sought to express not just physical reality but also deeper philosophical truths, aligning with Pythagorean views on the interconnection between art and mathematics.

Review Questions

• How did Pythagoreanism influence the aesthetic choices made by sculptors during the Severe Style?
  • Pythagoreanism influenced sculptors in the Severe Style by encouraging them to focus on mathematical principles such as proportion and symmetry. These artists believed that adhering to these ideals would create works that not only appeared beautiful but also resonated with deeper philosophical meanings. The emphasis on balance and harmony in their sculptures reflects the Pythagorean belief in the interconnectedness of art and the universe.
• Discuss how Pythagorean concepts of harmony and proportion are evident in specific examples of Severe Style sculptures.
  • In Severe Style sculptures like the 'Kritios Boy' or various kouroi figures, one can observe a clear application of Pythagorean concepts of harmony and proportion. The careful measurements and balanced postures are designed to evoke a sense of ideal beauty that aligns with Pythagorean thought. These works illustrate how artists meticulously calculated dimensions to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result that also conveyed spiritual significance.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Pythagoreanism on Greek art and philosophy beyond just sculpture during the period.
  • Pythagoreanism had a profound impact on both Greek art and philosophy by introducing the idea that numbers and mathematical relationships underpin reality. This perspective encouraged artists not only to create visually appealing works but also to embed deeper meanings within their art. Philosophers adopted these principles as well, leading to advancements in thought concerning ethics, cosmology, and metaphysics. The intertwining of mathematical precision with artistic expression set the stage for future developments in Western art and philosophy.

Related terms

Harmony: The principle that different elements should work together in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing manner, both in music and art.

Mathematics: A field of study focused on numbers, shapes, and their relationships; fundamental to Pythagorean thought as it links directly to concepts of beauty and order.

Proportion: The relationship between different parts of a sculpture or artwork that creates a sense of balance and harmony, which was greatly influenced by Pythagorean ideas.