Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was an ancient Greek sculptor from the 5th century BCE, known for his contributions to the development of classical sculpture, particularly through his canonical representation of the ideal human form. His works emphasized symmetry, proportion, and the use of contrapposto, a technique that has influenced both Greek and Roman art. Polykleitos is particularly recognized for creating the 'Doryphoros' or 'Spear Bearer,' which embodies his sculptural philosophy detailed in his treatise on the ideal proportions of the human body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos is often referred to as one of the most important sculptors of ancient Greece, significantly impacting both Greek and Roman art traditions.
2. His work 'Doryphoros' became a standard for subsequent artists in how to depict the male body with an idealized form and naturalistic details.
3. Polykleitos wrote a treatise titled 'Kanōn,' which outlined his principles of proportion and symmetry that defined classical beauty.
4. His sculptures were characterized by a balanced and harmonious approach, often emphasizing the beauty found in athletic male figures.
5. Polykleitos' influence extended beyond sculpture; his ideas on proportion affected architecture and painting in both Greek and Roman contexts.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos' approach to sculpture influence later Roman portraiture and representations of the human form?
  • Polykleitos set a standard for idealized human forms through his emphasis on proportion and symmetry. His principles were adopted by Roman artists who sought to achieve similar ideals in portraiture. This influence is seen in how Roman sculptures often portrayed individuals with an air of idealism while also incorporating realism, reflecting both character and beauty.
• Discuss the significance of contrapposto in Polykleitos' work and its impact on Roman sculpture techniques.
  • Contrapposto was significant in Polykleitos' work as it brought a sense of movement and life to sculptures, allowing figures to appear more relaxed and natural. This technique greatly influenced Roman sculptors who adopted it to create more dynamic representations of their subjects. The use of contrapposto contributed to a shift from rigid forms to more expressive, realistic figures in Roman art.
• Evaluate Polykleitos' contribution to the concept of the 'Canon of Proportions' and its relevance to Roman artistic practices.
  • Polykleitos' 'Canon of Proportions' was foundational in establishing a mathematical basis for beauty in sculpture, promoting harmony and balance that became key principles in Roman art. Roman artists not only adopted these ideas but also expanded them, allowing for greater experimentation with proportions in their representations. This synthesis of Greek ideals with Roman innovation resulted in artworks that conveyed both aesthetic beauty and individual identity, exemplifying the merging of cultural values between these two civilizations.

Related terms

Contrapposto: A sculptural technique where a figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, creating a sense of dynamism and relaxation in the posture.

Spear Bearer: A famous statue by Polykleitos that exemplifies his ideals of proportion and balance in the representation of the human body.

Canon of Proportions: A system developed by Polykleitos that defines ideal mathematical ratios in human figure sculptures, influencing later artists.