women in greek art
Women in Greek history have had many roles. In Ancient Greece the mythological stories tell of very powerful women. Some archeological finds hint at the same suggestion. Women also represent some of the most powerful of deities. In the Classical Age women were subservient and primarily homebound. Women did the sewing, cooking, cleaning and raising of the children. In Hellenistic times women were becoming more a part of society yet still played the part of the subservient wife and mother. Women played an even greater role in Greek Art throughout Greek history by inspiring the artist. Women were depicted in statues, pottery, vases, tempera, ceramic, poetry, writing, plays and even mythology. The nude male figure was the focus of art in Greek Culture for many years, especially in the Classic Greek times. This was considered the highest of Greek beauty. Society was based around men so men often saw other men more often than women. In some cultures nudity was equated with humility,! shame, or defeat. The Greeks took this image and glorified it as a work of art. The male nude became a focus of beauty and acceptance. In the beginning nude women in art were viewed differently than men. Respectable women were not portrayed in the nude un
the importance of mythology and everyday life was visible in art. Men and women were both depicted often, although their significance held very different meanings throughout history. Women have held different purpose and significance throughout all of history in society and art not just Greek history. However Greek history was a beautiful representation of the change in the thoughts and feelings of women. mple of this realistic depiction would be the statue of the Well-to-Do Drunken Woman. These almost soap opera like stories were portrayed in Greek Old Comedy. In plays and stories women were put in situations of greater power and seen more positively. Hellenistic Queens also played a pert in women being depicted in a more positive manner in society and art. There were also important female figures throughout Greek history such as Perictyine who was the mother of Plato and a Pythagorean writer and philosopher. Women also filled the shoes of artists, poets and writers although not great in number. As the role of women was changing socially they were also depicted differently in art. In Ancient, Pre-Classical, and Classical times to the Hellenistic age the image changed again in art and society. In Ancient Greek times women were very powerful beings. In Classical times women could only gain power if they were related to or married an influential man in Greek society. A Hellenisti! ens, Sphinx, Charybids and Chimera. Erinyes or Furies were horrible creatures and Harpies were flying creatures with hooked beaks and claws. None of these were ever depicted as beautiful or ideal but all were women. Some Greek women were also rebellious in nature, like Herea who was eventually
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Approximate Word count = 1135
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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