Analysis of Dying Gaul
Analysis of Dying Gaul
In order to vividly understand the meaning and correctly analyze the sculpture “Dying Gaul”, it is very important to know the context of the three civilizations involved on its background context. Firstly, the original figure in which “Dying Gaul” was based was in fact a Hellenistic piece of art, denoting enormous Greek influence, and therefore, being originally a representation of an event around 300 BC that occurred in Greece or Anatolia. However, what we see is a Roman representation of a Gaul warrior, clearly showing the defeat of his people by the legions commanded by Julius Caesar around 50 BC. Therefore, even though the nationality and time period of the warrior have changed with such adaptation, the same Greek style was maintained, revealing a very common Roman characteristic.
The Roman Republic was based entirely on a Greek influence, mainly caused by the innumerous maritime commerce settlements establish on regions conquered by the Romans. By adopting the Greek culture, the Romans acquired their living style, but making slight changes on their politics ideals and religion. This relationship can be clearly seen in their art, as little can be differed on the techniques used by both civilizations. The Gauls were a fierce barbaric nation on today’s France, that resisted the advance of Roman troops for almost a decade, and the fact that this victory is portrayed on a sculpture may also reveal how Romans gave value to their conquers in war, and how important was their triumphs over their enemies.
Aesthetically speaking, the sculpture has the objective to simulate reality, as all shapes and sizes of the body are made to faithfully represent a dying man. The wound at his chest is apparent, representing suffering and pain, and so does the expression of his face, leaning towards the ground as if he had no strength left to sustain his body. This movement represents fragility, which together with the overall position of the man contradicts the
In order to vividly understand the meaning and correctly analyze the sculpture “Dying Gaul”, it is very important to know the context of the three civilizations involved on its background context. Firstly, the original figure in which “Dying Gaul” was based was in fact a Hellenistic piece of art, denoting enormous Greek influence, and therefore, being originally a representation of an event around 300 BC that occurred in Greece or Anatolia. However, what we see is a Roman representation of a Gaul warrior, clearly showing the defeat of his people by the legions commanded by Julius Caesar around 50 BC. Therefore, even though the nationality and time period of the warrior have changed with such adaptation, the same Greek style was maintained, revealing a very common Roman characteristic.
The Roman Republic was based entirely on a Greek influence, mainly caused by the innumerous maritime commerce settlements establish on regions conquered by the Romans. By adopting the Greek culture, the Romans acquired their living style, but making slight changes on their politics ideals and religion. This relationship can be clearly seen in their art, as little can be differed on the techniques used by both civilizations. The Gauls were a fierce barbaric nation on today’s France, that resisted the advance of Roman troops for almost a decade, and the fact that this victory is portrayed on a sculpture may also reveal how Romans gave value to their conquers in war, and how important was their triumphs over their enemies.
Aesthetically speaking, the sculpture has the objective to simulate reality, as all shapes and sizes of the body are made to faithfully represent a dying man. The wound at his chest is apparent, representing suffering and pain, and so does the expression of his face, leaning towards the ground as if he had no strength left to sustain his body. This movement represents fragility, which together with the overall position of the man contradicts the
References: http://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Empire/ http://www.ancient.eu/Hellenistic_Period/ http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/hellenistic-greece http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/antiquity/greek-sculpture-hellenistic-period.htm Fine Arts Book