Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARTISTIC STYLES
1. CYCLADIC, 3200-2200 BC
The prehistoric Cycladic civilization flourished on the islands of Naxos, Paros, Amor-
gos, Santorini and Keros (which form a rough circle in the Aegean, hence the name)
for 1,000 years before mysteriously disappearing. It left behind hundreds of marble
figures: most are elegant, angular, minimalist female figures, probably used in a god-
dess or fertility cult.
2. MINOAN, 2000-1400 BC
The Minoans of Crete were sensual, social, nature-loving and matriarchal. Ceramics
are painted with flowing lines based on natural motifs. Fluid-lined frescoes depict
priestesses and animals. Most exciting are the faïence sculptures of voluptuous god-
desses wielding snakes, and the fantastically light, delicate gold jewellery.
3. MYCENAEAN, 1500-1300 BC
The art of this martial, mainland culture was somewhat influenced by the Minoans.
But fundamentally, they were different, focused on war, order and acquisition, espe-
cially of gold. Their palaces housed hoards of embossed-gold swords, daggers, and
cups, gold death-masks and pots painted with warrior images.
4. GEOMETRIC, 8TH-7TH CENTURY BC
Geometric art emerged from a dark age with vases painted with angular designs, and
abstract, triangular-rectilinear human forms. The greatest of these is the giant 8th-
century BC funerary vase in the National Archaeological Museum, where you can also
see the first “Greek key” pattern.
5. ARCHAIC, LATE 7TH-5TH CENTURY BC
The beginning of monumental Greek art, with the first marble temples and sculptures.
These earliest sculptures of young men and women, called
koroi
, and made for reli-
gious purposes, were heavily influenced by Egyptian art: stiff and still, with muscles
and facial features carved mostly as decorations to the form.
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