Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was a prominent Greek sculptor of the 5th century BCE, known for his idealized representations of the human figure and his development of the Canon, a set of principles governing proportion and symmetry in sculpture. His work marked a significant transition from the stylized forms of earlier art to a more realistic and naturalistic approach, which heavily influenced later generations of artists and sculptors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos is often referred to as the master of classical Greek sculpture, having crafted works that celebrated the beauty of the human form.
2. His most notable work, Doryphoros, served as a physical representation of his Canon, showcasing an idealized version of athletic masculinity.
3. Polykleitos's emphasis on mathematical ratios in sculpture set a standard that would be emulated by many future artists throughout history.
4. He used contrapposto to create a sense of balance and realism in his figures, allowing for more naturalistic poses that conveyed movement.
5. Polykleitos’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his techniques and style were foundational for the development of Roman art and later Renaissance sculpture.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos's Canon influence the way sculptures were created in ancient Greece?
  • Polykleitos's Canon established a systematic approach to proportion and symmetry that revolutionized ancient Greek sculpture. By defining ideal ratios for the human body, he provided artists with a framework that emphasized realism and aesthetic harmony. This influence can be seen in subsequent sculptures that adopted his principles, which allowed for more lifelike representations and set standards for future artistic endeavors.
• Discuss the role of contrapposto in Polykleitos's work and its impact on the perception of movement in sculpture.
  • Contrapposto was crucial to Polykleitos’s approach as it allowed figures to appear more dynamic and alive. By positioning one leg bearing weight while the other is relaxed, he created a natural stance that suggested motion and vitality. This innovative technique not only enhanced the expressiveness of his sculptures but also set a precedent for depicting human figures with greater realism, influencing generations of artists in their representations of the human body.
• Evaluate Polykleitos's contribution to classical art and how his ideas laid the groundwork for artistic developments in later periods.
  • Polykleitos's contributions significantly shaped classical art through his emphasis on idealized proportions and realistic representation. His Canon provided a methodological approach that influenced not only his contemporaries but also later artists during the Renaissance who sought to revive classical ideals. The balance between beauty and realism that he achieved in works like Doryphoros served as a model for excellence that would resonate through history, marking Polykleitos as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Western art.

Related terms

Canon: A set of rules or guidelines established by Polykleitos that defined the ideal proportions and symmetry in the human body, greatly impacting classical sculpture.

Contrapposto: A pose in sculpture where one part of the body is turned in opposition to another part, creating a sense of dynamism and movement, commonly used by Polykleitos.

Doryphoros: One of Polykleitos's most famous sculptures, known as the 'Spear-Bearer,' exemplifying his principles of proportion and representing the ideal male athlete.