Greek sculpture revolutionized art with its focus on human form and ideals. Contrapposto poses and mathematical proportions created lifelike yet idealized figures, reflecting Greek values of harmony and balance.

These sculptures played crucial roles in Greek society, from religious icons to civic monuments. They embodied cultural ideals, celebrated athletic prowess, and expressed philosophical concepts, shaping Greek identity and influencing art for centuries.

Classical Greek Sculpture: Technique and Cultural Significance

Characteristics of contrapposto

• Contrapposto Italian term meaning "counterpose" created dynamic balance through asymmetrical pose
• Weight shifted to one leg (engaged leg) while opposite hip raised
• Shoulders and arms adjusted to counterbalance hips with head often turned slightly
• Developed in 5th century BCE marked shift from rigid symmetrical poses of Archaic period
• Notable examples include Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) by Polykleitos and Kritios Boy

Ideal proportions in Greek sculpture

• Greek culture emphasized harmony balance and mathematical precision in ideal beauty
• Canon of Polykleitos established system of ideal proportions for human figure based on ratios and measurements of body parts
• Golden Ratio ($\phi$ or 1.618) applied to facial and body proportions
• Influenced later art movements including Renaissance revival of classical ideals and Neoclassicism in 18th and 19th centuries

Styles across Classical periods

• Early Classical (Severe Style 480-450 BCE) transitioned from Archaic to Classical more naturalistic but still somewhat rigid (Zeus/Poseidon of Artemision)
• High Classical (450-400 BCE) achieved peak of classical idealism with perfect balance between realism and idealization (Parthenon sculptures works of Phidias)
• Late Classical (400-323 BCE) increased emotionalism and individualism with more fluid graceful forms (Hermes with the Infant Dionysus by Praxiteles)

Role of sculpture in Greek society

• Religious function included cult statues in temples and votive offerings
• Civic and political roles featured public monuments memorials and representations of leaders and heroes
• Athletic ideals emphasized through sculptures of victorious athletes and physical perfection
• Philosophical concepts embodied arete (excellence virtue) and visually represented Platonic ideals
• Cultural identity expressed Greek values and achievements distinguished from "barbarian" cultures