The Human Body During The Classical Period
During the Classical period, Greek philosophy was developed and the human body became an artistic subject that was considered a self-governing, individual, intelligent being. There was a change from sculptures containing animals and animal worship to human form through artistic expression. In the past, other items, such as gods, animals, etc. were the subject of the artwork and now, humans became the focus or the subject. During this period of time, the study of man and artistic expressions of the human body, instead of the worship of animals or other gods, took precedence. So, it was not uncommon to come across a man who was a sculptor, as well as a philosopher.
The human body became idealized and was considered to be "godlike," in its perfection. …show more content…
Political events influenced this shift towards figural, human forms. Political philosophy, by Socrates and Plato and the later development of Hellenistic societies, considered humans as important beings. The importance of right from wrong, justice and injustice, etc. became crucial to philosophy and artistic expression. Man, and who he was, became the focus of art at that time. When Plato "formulated his prescription for the ideal form of government in his Republic" (Kleiner 104), this political event, began to change man's thought processes, and in return, art's focus was shifted toward man and the human body.
Another political event that transpired, was the first Olympics. The first Olympics was held by the "separate Greek-speaking states" (Kleiner 104). The Olympics glorified man, his body and what his body could accomplish, taking the focus off of animal worship and bringing focus onto humans and their bodies. Another political example is Aristotle. He believed that only the best should rule. This shifts the focus away from animals, creatures or deities and places the focus and responsibilities upon living, breathing intelligent human beings. This position also did not place importance on wealth and social class, it was placed upon maturity and intelligence. Men of this time, were open to change and it was through these political events that the way man was portrayed, through art, was changed,
The human body became idealized and was considered to be "godlike," in its perfection. …show more content…
Political events influenced this shift towards figural, human forms. Political philosophy, by Socrates and Plato and the later development of Hellenistic societies, considered humans as important beings. The importance of right from wrong, justice and injustice, etc. became crucial to philosophy and artistic expression. Man, and who he was, became the focus of art at that time. When Plato "formulated his prescription for the ideal form of government in his Republic" (Kleiner 104), this political event, began to change man's thought processes, and in return, art's focus was shifted toward man and the human body.
Another political event that transpired, was the first Olympics. The first Olympics was held by the "separate Greek-speaking states" (Kleiner 104). The Olympics glorified man, his body and what his body could accomplish, taking the focus off of animal worship and bringing focus onto humans and their bodies. Another political example is Aristotle. He believed that only the best should rule. This shifts the focus away from animals, creatures or deities and places the focus and responsibilities upon living, breathing intelligent human beings. This position also did not place importance on wealth and social class, it was placed upon maturity and intelligence. Men of this time, were open to change and it was through these political events that the way man was portrayed, through art, was changed,