Hellenistic

=The Hellenistic Period- Charles Higgins, 2nd Period= The beginning of the Hellenistic Period in Ancient Greek art is marked by the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and ends around 31 BCE. Due to the unexpected nature of his death, Greece was left with little structure in terms of leaders. Greece was eventually broken up and became a mutual protection league.



Hellenistic Architecture
The Corinthian order was introduced into Greek architecture during the Hellenistic period. Initially, these columns were only used for the interior of structures, the tholos at Delphi for example, but now we see them used in the exterior of architectural works. Corinthian columns were far more decorative and elaborate than their Ionic or Doric predecessors, and included acanthus leaves, a rosette, and boss, in addition to the volutes seen previously in the Ionic order.


 * Temple of the Olympian Zeus- **Located just outside the Acropolis, The Temple of the Olympian Zeus is an example of use of the Corinthian order. The structure is remarkably large compared to others. Its columns stand approximately 56 feet tall. Despite its immensity, it still goes by all the normal conventions that are seen in other Greek pieces of architecture. It was constructed by Cossutius, a Roman architect. He utilized the foundation of a previously constructed temple in the Doric order to create this work.

normal conventions of Greek theaters. The seats surrounded the orchestra, the place in which performances were held, which included an altar to Dionysos. It also included, behind the orchestra, a skene and proscenium.
 * The Theater at Epidauros- **Theaters were a very important part to Ancient Greek culture. This specific theater was constructed in the 4th century BCE at Epidauros. It followed the

**Reconstructed West Front of the Altar from Pergamon, Turkey- **Despite the fact that this is a piece of architecture from the Hellenistic period, it does not include Corinthian columns, rather it is of the Ionic order. The 7 ½ foot frieze includes a depiction of the Gods and Titans fighting, paralleling the recent victory by Pergamon.

Hellenistic Sculpture
Sculptures during the Hellenistic period were quite different than those which came from the classical periods. They focused less on the idealized body forms and more on emotional content. The figures display a wide range of different expressions and emotions. Hellenistic sculptures were not meant to be seen from a single angle, but rather many different ones.


 * [[image:http://www.westcler.org/gh/curlessmatt/arthistory/5/DyingGallicTrumpeter230-220BC.jpg width="229" height="152" align="left" caption="Dying Gallic Trumpeter"]]Dying Gallic Trumpeter- **This work was created around 220 BCE. The inspiration for it was the recent victory over the Gallic people in 230 BCE. The sculpture was located in the Sanctuary of Athena in Pergamon, and the later Roman recreation of it in the garden of Julius Caesar. The piece of art displays a figure that is more realistic than idealistic in build. There is a great deal of human emotion within the sculpture, and like other Hellenistic works is looking for an emotional reaction from the viewer. Because of the way the Trumpeter is sprawled, the piece of art is not meant to be seen solely from the front, facing it. Like most other works from this time there are multiple viewpoints at which this sculpture can be viewed.
 * Nike (Victory) of Samothrace- **The Nike (Victory) of Samothrace was created as a celebratory observance of some sort of naval victory. This artwork can be characterized by its dramatic movement and form. It includes contrapposto and twisting of the figure’s body, to heighten the melodramaticism of the work.[[image:http://smarthistory.org/assets/images/images/nike.jpg width="227" height="468" align="right" caption="Nike (Victory) of Samothrace"]]
 * Aphrodite of Melos- **Not all Hellenistic works strayed from the conventions of Classical Greek Art. Aphrodite of Melos, or Venus De Milo would be an example of this. The proportions used in this sculpture are reminiscent of High Classical works, but also include features that are more connected with other Hellenistic pieces.