“The Doryphoros is an example of perfect naturalism”.

Using your own knowledge of 6th & 5th century B.C sculpture, explain to what extent you agree with this statement.

Aims

• To identify a range of developments made in free standing sculpture during 5th and 6th century BC.

• To identify various statues which demonstrate these changes.

• To evaluate the Doryphoros as an example of ideal naturalism.

New York Kouros (from Attica) late 7th century BC.

Fundamental Developments of Naturalism

Diadoumenos by Polykleitos copy of a bronze original from around 430 BC.

-Early example of naturalism in sculpture.

-Muscle definition, facial features and the hair, have improved since the New York Kouros.

The Anavyssos Kouros c. 530 BC

-Partial solution to the problems of the artificial looking beaded hair effect, by cutting the hair short.

-Continued developing trends of naturalism as the proportions became more accurate.

Aristodikos memorial, late 6th century BC

-Advances indicating movement include the introduction of slight ‘Contrapposto’.

-Body carved with great subtlety.

-The soft edges suggest youth.

Kritios Boy .Early 5th century BC

Like the Kritios Boy the torso, while highly detailed and accurate, is completely unresponsive to movement.

Bronze Statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) c. 460 BC

-Portrays that moment of stillness in the midst of action.

-Symmetry completely avoided.

-Movement suggested in the way the abdominals fold.

Diskobolos by Myren 2nd quarter of 5th century BC

Contrapposto used, not only in shoulders, hips and torso, but also in the arms.

Detail of hair and face are very convincing.

Contrapposto is evident from all angles, as is detail.

Abandoned symmetry in order to create the illusion of freedom.

Riace Warrior Bronze 450-475 BC

Diadoumenos c.430 BC

-Produced around a decade after the Doryphoros.

-Developed his ‘rule’ or ‘measurement’ which improved anatomical proportions (symmetria).

-Effective and increased use of Contrapposto

Polykleitos

Subtle use of Contrapposto in the shoulders and hips.

Galen described it as the perfect visual expression of the Greeks' search for harmony and beauty, which is rendered in the perfectly proportioned sculpted male nude.

Doryphoros by Polykleitos c.440 BC

Task

• Using pages 130-134 of your green books and your lesson notes, fill in the Handout entitled “Task 2”.

Task• In your groups, use play

dough to create 2 statues.• One should be a Kouros.

(remember archaic smile, symmetry, crude detail etc)

• The other should be influenced by naturalism. (try to clearly demonstrate contrapposto, symmetria, movement, detail etc)

Have you been able.....?

• To identify a range of developments made in free standing sculpture during 5th and 6th century BC.

• To identify various statues which demonstrate these changes.

• To evaluate the Doryphoros as an example of ideal naturalism.