Chapter 4 The Aegean Art

Goals
Identify the geographic area known as the Aegean. Discuss the visual aspects and possible context of the Cycladic sculptures. Discuss Minoan society and architecture. Understand visual aspects of Minoan art. Understand the link between culture and architecture of Mycenae Identify important Mycenaean architectural achievements. Discuss the relationship between Minoan and Mycenaean art and culture
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 Aegean Bronze Ageusing metal ores imported from Europe, Arabia, and Anatolia they then make beautiful objects they export Egypt and the peoples of the Ancient near east were especially important trading partners Dates are relative and approximate with this time

Prehistoric Aegean

4.1 Cycladic Art

Identify the geographic area known as the Aegean and the specific area of the Cycladic Islands. Discuss the visual aspects and possible context of the Cycladic sculptures

The Islands of the Cyclades

Left no known written records, all we have is art to tell us about their culture Islands specifically of Naxos and Paros had ample supply of white marble

Figurine of a woman, from Syros (Cyclades), Greece, ca. 25002300 BCE. Marble, 1 6 high. National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

Cycladic Females
Made of marble 2500-2200 BCE Ranges from a few inches in length to 5 feet Simple forms because stone fractures easily Females are more abundant than males Figures often found lying on gravesposition seems to be that of lying down (folded arms, head upright, toes pointed down) Originally had painted facial features, hair, and ornaments in black, red, and blue

Male? Lyre player, from Keros (Cyclades), Greece, ca. 27002500 BCE. Marble, 9 high. National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

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Art at the Same Time: Compare and Contrast

4.2 Minoan Culture and Art

Discuss the mythology behind the Minoan culture and architecture. Understand the elements and nature of Minoan palace architecture. Examine the medium, methods, and imagery of Minoan wall painting. Explore the developments of Minoan pottery.

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 LINEAR B: a very early form of Greek writing imported from the mainland

Minoan Periods: 1.Old Palace Period 1900-1700 BCE 2.New Palace Period 1700-1450 BCE

Stairwell in the residential quarter of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 17001400 BCE.

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Figure 4-4 Aerial view (looking northeast) of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 17001400 BCE. 26

Figure 4-5 Plan of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 17001400 BCE. 27

Minoan Architecture
Understand the elements and nature of Minoan palace architecture. What was the labyrinth of the Minotaur and how does the palace at Knossos fit that description? Describe some of the remarkable achievements of Minoan architecture.

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The Development of Minoan Sculpture

Describe the materials used in the making of pottery in the Minoan culture. What is the predominant imagery in the painted images in Minoan pottery?

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Snake Goddess, from the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1600 BCE. Faience, 1 1 1/2 high. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.

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Octopus jar, from Palaikastro (Crete), Greece, ca. 1500 BCE. 11 high. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.

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Bull-leaping, from the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 14501400 BCE. Fresco, 2 8 high, including border. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.
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Minoan Wall Painting

What is the subject matter and style seen in Minoan wall paintings? What materials and methods were typically used? Compare the fresco in the next slide with Egyptian wall painting.

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4.3 Mycenaean Culture and Art

Relate significant aspects of archeological excavations at Mycenae. Understand the link between culture and architecture of Mycenae. Discuss the relationship between Minoan and Mycenaean art and culture.

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Lion Gate, Mycenae, Greece, ca. 13001250 BCE. Limestone,

relief panel, 9 6 high.
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Aerial view of the citadel at Tiryns, Greece, ca. 14001200 BCE.

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Corbeled gallery in the walls of the citadel, Tiryns, Greece, ca. 14001200 BCE.

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Figure 4-17 Three methods of spanning a passageway: (a) post and lintel, (b) corbeled arch, (c) arch.

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Plan of the palace and southern part of the citadel, Tiryns, Greece, ca. 14001200 BCE.

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Mycenean Art and Architecture

Describe how the Mycenean palaces are different from the Minoan palaces. Discuss the relationship between Minoan and Mycenaean art and culture.

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Discussion Questions
What do you think are possible functions for the Cycladic sculptures? Compare the Egyptian Old Kingdom and New Kingdom [Armana period] styles of wall painting with Minoan wall paintings. What was the focus of Minoan art? Did they emphasize the afterlife? Why do you think the Minoan civilization declined? Give reasons for your ideas. Compare and contrast Minoan and Mycenaean art and architecture. Despite exhibiting the influence of Minoan art, why did Mycenaean art and architecture develop along different lines?
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Repousse: a technique whereby metal is hammered from the back to make a relief

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