Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was a prominent ancient Greek sculptor of the Classical period, known for his idealized representations of the human body and for establishing a canon of proportions in sculpture. His work emphasized balance, harmony, and the mathematical ratios that defined beauty, greatly influencing the development of sculpture in Greece and beyond. His most famous statue, the 'Doryphoros' or 'Spear Bearer,' exemplifies these principles and reflects the high level of artistry achieved during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos is often referred to as one of the greatest sculptors of ancient Greece and was active in the 5th century BCE.
2. He wrote a treatise called 'Kanon' (Canon), which outlined his principles of proportion and symmetry in art.
3. His sculptures were known for their lifelike quality, achieved through meticulous attention to anatomical details and posture.
4. Polykleitos' influence extended beyond his own time, impacting later artists and sculptors during the Renaissance and beyond.
5. In addition to the 'Doryphoros,' Polykleitos is attributed with other works, including statues of athletes and deities that followed his aesthetic principles.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos' approach to sculpture reflect the ideals of Classical art in ancient Greece?
  • Polykleitos’ approach to sculpture embodied the Classical ideals of balance, harmony, and proportion. He created lifelike representations that adhered to a specific canon of proportions, emphasizing the beauty of the human form through mathematical ratios. This method not only advanced artistic techniques but also set standards for what was considered aesthetically pleasing during the Classical period, marking a significant evolution in Greek sculpture.
• What are the key characteristics of Polykleitos' 'Doryphoros,' and how does it illustrate his artistic philosophy?
  • The 'Doryphoros' is characterized by its idealized form, careful attention to anatomical accuracy, and the use of contrapposto to create a sense of movement. This statue serves as a prime example of Polykleitos’ artistic philosophy, showcasing his belief in symmetry and proportion through its balanced stance and harmonious proportions. The 'Doryphoros' not only represents an athletic male figure but also encapsulates Polykleitos' adherence to his canon, making it a significant work in the history of art.
• Evaluate Polykleitos' lasting impact on sculpture and art beyond his own time period.
  • Polykleitos' lasting impact on sculpture is evident in the way his principles influenced not only contemporaneous artists but also those from later periods, particularly during the Renaissance. His concept of the Canon of Proportions provided a foundational reference for artists seeking to create idealized forms. The revival of interest in classical ideals during the Renaissance led to a resurgence in techniques inspired by Polykleitos’ work, demonstrating how his emphasis on proportion and naturalism transcended time and shaped Western artistic traditions.

Related terms

Doryphoros: The 'Doryphoros,' or 'Spear Bearer,' is one of Polykleitos' most famous sculptures, celebrated for its depiction of the ideal male figure and its adherence to his canon of proportions.

Contrapposto: Contrapposto is a sculptural technique where a figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, creating a sense of dynamism and naturalism, prominently used in Polykleitos' works.

Canon of Proportions: The Canon of Proportions is a system developed by Polykleitos that established a set of ideal mathematical ratios for the dimensions of the human body in art.