Polykleitos

Definition

Polykleitos was an ancient Greek sculptor from the 5th century BCE, renowned for his mastery of the human form and his development of the classical canon of proportion. His works often embodied the ideals of harmony and balance, making significant contributions to mythological sculpture groups and influencing Greek artists in Rome. He is best known for creating the 'Doryphoros' or 'Spear Bearer,' which exemplified his mathematical approach to sculpture, establishing a standard that many later artists sought to emulate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polykleitos' 'Doryphoros' served as a model for Roman sculpture, showcasing the ideal male physique and influencing subsequent generations of artists.
2. He is credited with writing a treatise known as 'Kanon,' where he detailed his approach to proportions in sculpture, which became foundational for future artistic standards.
3. Polykleitos often created works that depicted mythological subjects, contributing to the rich tradition of narrative sculpture in ancient Greece.
4. His sculptures are characterized by a harmonious balance of elements, often displaying a combination of idealized features and realistic anatomical details.
5. The influence of Polykleitos extended beyond Greece, as his concepts were adopted by Roman artists who admired his techniques and incorporated them into their own works.

Review Questions

• How did Polykleitos influence the representation of the human form in ancient Greek art?
  • Polykleitos significantly influenced the representation of the human form through his development of the Canon, which established proportional guidelines for sculpting. His iconic statue, the Doryphoros, demonstrated these ideals, showcasing an athletic physique balanced through contrapposto. This standard became widely adopted and revered among Greek artists and set a precedent for how figures were represented in subsequent art.
• Discuss how Polykleitos' approach to sculpture differed from other contemporary artists and its impact on later works in Rome.
  • Unlike some contemporary artists who emphasized stylization or elaborate decorative elements, Polykleitos focused on mathematical precision and realistic anatomy, emphasizing harmony and proportion. His treatise on proportions informed not just Greek sculptors but also Roman artists who sought to emulate these ideals. As such, Polykleitos’ work laid a foundation that shaped the standards for realism in sculpture throughout Rome's artistic landscape.
• Evaluate the lasting legacy of Polykleitos on both mythological sculpture groups and the broader tradition of art in ancient Rome.
  • Polykleitos' legacy is profound, as his ideals on proportion and representation set a benchmark for mythological sculpture groups that would echo through centuries. His work influenced not only Greek art but also had a significant impact on Roman sculptors who adopted his techniques to create their own masterpieces. This blend of Greek and Roman styles contributed to the evolution of Western art, where balance and naturalism remained essential themes even into the Renaissance and beyond.

Related terms

Doryphoros:

A famous statue created by Polykleitos, representing a male athlete or warrior, celebrated for its ideal proportions and naturalistic representation of the human body.

Canon: A set of rules or standards in art established by Polykleitos, particularly regarding proportions and symmetry in the depiction of the human figure.

Contrapposto: A pose in sculpture where the weight of the body is distributed onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamism and naturalism, prominently utilized by Polykleitos.