Art, Desire, and the Body in Ancient Greece
Classical Art History
Art, Desire, and the Body in Ancient Greece: Chapter 2 There is no hiding the theme of nudity in classical art. The human body, predominantly the male body, was the dominant theme during this time period in ancient Greece. Andrew Stewart writes about what he observed to be an obsession with physical beauty, integrity, and power. Stewart analyses the Greeks’ strange fixation with nakedness and how these works of art may show a better understanding of the society. In ancient Greek culture, it was know that the men were dominant, and the women were nothing unless “owned” or “claimed” by a man. Stewart explains that women (unless prostituting or entertaining) were commonly depicted clothed, while men were depicted naked. He also describes the obsession with the nude body at this time to be a type of bragging right, one that showed the person portrayed as well respected, with suggested physical beauty, and intelligence. On page 24, of Chapter 2, Stewart states, “ Winckelmann suggested a reciprocal relation between artistic and real life nakedness whereby sculptors and athletes sought to craft their bodies in emulation of each other thereby creating a kind of ascending double helix of imitative beauty. At its summit one reached the apex of physical and intellectual freedom.” Although people could have been walking around naked every day at this time and certain athletic events were done in the nude, it is suggested by Stewart that they were only portrayed nude to be considered of a higher status. However there were certain situations and events such as some athletic games that were done in the nude. A common event is described on page 26, of Chapter 2, to be one of alcohol, fine dining, witty conversation, and a lot of nudity and sex. This event is referred to as a symposion. Stewart writes, “The diners’ clothing often came off as the evening wore on. Not just wine and conversation but entertainers of both sexes provided the stimulus.”
Art, Desire, and the Body in Ancient Greece: Chapter 2 There is no hiding the theme of nudity in classical art. The human body, predominantly the male body, was the dominant theme during this time period in ancient Greece. Andrew Stewart writes about what he observed to be an obsession with physical beauty, integrity, and power. Stewart analyses the Greeks’ strange fixation with nakedness and how these works of art may show a better understanding of the society. In ancient Greek culture, it was know that the men were dominant, and the women were nothing unless “owned” or “claimed” by a man. Stewart explains that women (unless prostituting or entertaining) were commonly depicted clothed, while men were depicted naked. He also describes the obsession with the nude body at this time to be a type of bragging right, one that showed the person portrayed as well respected, with suggested physical beauty, and intelligence. On page 24, of Chapter 2, Stewart states, “ Winckelmann suggested a reciprocal relation between artistic and real life nakedness whereby sculptors and athletes sought to craft their bodies in emulation of each other thereby creating a kind of ascending double helix of imitative beauty. At its summit one reached the apex of physical and intellectual freedom.” Although people could have been walking around naked every day at this time and certain athletic events were done in the nude, it is suggested by Stewart that they were only portrayed nude to be considered of a higher status. However there were certain situations and events such as some athletic games that were done in the nude. A common event is described on page 26, of Chapter 2, to be one of alcohol, fine dining, witty conversation, and a lot of nudity and sex. This event is referred to as a symposion. Stewart writes, “The diners’ clothing often came off as the evening wore on. Not just wine and conversation but entertainers of both sexes provided the stimulus.”