Ancient Greek Art: A Legacy of Beauty and Balance

The Severe or Early Classical Style

Ancient Greek art saw its zenith around 450 BC during the time of Athenian general Pericles, who used public funds to commission monumental sculptures and architectural projects. One notable period in Greek sculpture is known as the Severe or Early Classical style, which spanned from approximately 480 BC to 450 BC. This style is characterized by a shift from the rigid, frontal poses of the Archaic period to a more naturalistic and fluid approach.

Characteristics of the Severe Style

The sculptures of the Severe style exhibit several distinctive features:

• Emphasis on anatomy: Artists paid meticulous attention to the human form, depicting it with greater accuracy and anatomical detail.
• Naturalistic poses: Figures are portrayed in more dynamic and realistic positions, capturing the subtleties of movement.
• Simplicity and restraint: Despite their anatomical precision, sculptures of the Severe style maintain a sense of simplicity and balance.
• Deeper emotional expression: The Severe Style marked a turning point in the portrayal of emotions in art, with sculptures expressing a range of human feelings.

Examples of Severe Style Sculpture

Notable examples of Severe Style sculpture include:

• The Kritios Boy: This statue of a young man, found on the Acropolis of Athens, exemplifies the transition from the Archaic to the Severe style.
• The Riace Bronzes: Two life-sized bronze statues of warriors, discovered in the sea near Riace, Italy, demonstrate the technical mastery and anatomical accuracy of Severe Style sculpture.
• The West Pediment of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia: This sculpture depicts the battle between the Lapiths and Centaurs, showcasing the narrative and dynamic qualities of the Severe style.

Legacy of the Severe Style

The Severe Style laid the foundation for the Golden Age of Greek sculpture, which followed shortly after. Its emphasis on naturalism and emotional expression became hallmarks of Greek art for centuries to come. The Severe Style also influenced Roman art, which adopted and adapted its principles.