Late Classical/Hellenistic

Aphrodite of Knidos
(Artist)

Late Classical
(Praxiteles)
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-Considered the first life size 3D nude female figure in western art
-Origin of all other female nudes
-Humanized her by making her nude, caught in a vulnerable moment
-Unconsciously covers herself
-Venus pootica pose
-Originally made for Cos, they rejected it in shame, but Knidos took it
-Praxiteles S curve

Apoxyomenos
(Artist)

Late Classical
(Lysippos)
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-“The Scaper”
-Uses a striggle to remove oil and sand in their bodies

Head of Alexander the Great

Hellenistic
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-Recognized the power of images of him
-Remarkably similar
-Lysippos official portrait maker
Twisted neck, with upward chin, never straight face
-Deep and melting eyes
-Slightly parted lips
Lion like hair
-Slight part in the hair, anastole

Battle of Issus

Hellenistic
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-Roman mosaic copy of greek panel painting
-Roman mosaic copy is dated 1 BC, anonymous, found in Pompeii, floor mosaic
-Tessara = piece of stone or glass, cut to a specific size and shape
-Million piece mosaic
-Moment that Alexander enters and Darius flees/retreats from him
-Use of shading to create volume, inclusion of shadows
-Skiagraphia = “shadow writing”
-Thought to be commissioned by Alexander’s general Casander

Gallic Cheiftan

Hellenistic
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-Roman marble copy of greek bronze original
-Chosen suicide over captivity/murder/assassination
-Interaction is necessary on the part of viewer
-Victorious monument for the Greeks
-Great depiction of contrast in the piece

Dying Gaul

Hellenistic
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-Ennobling the enemy
-torque = twisted metal choker, identifies him as a Gaul
-Possible moment of suicide

Nike of Samothrace

Hellenistic
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-Believed to be an original
-Pythokritos is sculptor
-Is pictured as she lands on the front of a Greek battleship
-Elongation, contraposto, drapery
-Dramatic, dynamic and theatrical
-More drama in this sculpture than any other