3.1: Ancient Greece Class Discussion

Discussion Topic

Updated

The content for this week discusses ancient Greece. As it is described, there is strong evidence showing that the Greeks learned how to sculpt from the Egyptians whom they traded with. However, there are marked differences in the subject matter and form that Greeks took in describing the human form. 

 Explain the differences in the depiction of the human form between ancient Greece and Egypt and make contextual connections as to why these differences exist. Be sure to use several specific examples to support your argument.

• This response is a standard compare/contrast discussion. Be sure to review week 1’s material on writing about art to help you organize your response in this manner.
• Be sure to also work in MLA or APA format, citing properly in-text and providing captions and references for any in-text citations. 
• Select and identify one figurative ancient Greek sculptures from KhanAcademy, Met Heilbrunn Timeline, or the Module that responds to the concept of Idealism. Indicate whether the sculpture is nude or draped.

  How does the artist use the drapery to add meaning and realism, and anything else?

  How does this sculpture conform to the Classic concept of beauty?

  Take the pose of the ancient sculpture.  Students find it is helpful to take the pose of the sculpture in front of the mirror to better understand what is happening. You may ask someone else to help you take a ‘selfie,’ but you don’t have to post it. How do you feel in that pose? How natural do you feel?

Below is the discussion area for this week’s  topic. Please produce well developed answers utilizing academic research and using what you have learned regarding analyzing works of art in this week’s modules. When you have responded thoughtfully to the topics with captioned illustrations, participate in a discussion by reading other student’s responses and develop a thoughtful dialogue by asking questions, adding to their arguments or providing counter arguments based on the research that you have done.

Readings and viewings include:

Contrapposto, by Peter Duggan, first published in The Guardian, 30 April, 2014.

Learn the classical orders.  View and read “The Classical Orders”  https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/beginners-guide-greece/v/the-classical-orders

View the brief videos “The Parthenon,” and “Ancient Greek Temples at Paestum, Italy,” at least once each  at https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/classical/v/parthenon and  https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/daedalic-archaic/v/ancient-greek-temples-at-paestum

Optional Reading and viewing:

Daniel Larkin, “Laughing at the Jokes on Ancient Greek Vases,”     Hyperallergic 2017