Hellenistic Art: the Dying Gaul & the Pergamene Altar of Zeus
https://smarthistory.org/lysippos-apoxyomenos-scraper/ (Links to an external site.)
(This link will take you to the first video on the Apoxyomenos - use the tabs on the left side of the Smarthistory
page to open the other 3 videos. The Alexander Sarcophagus is also listed under the Classical heading but the
Dying Gaul and the Pergamene Altar of Zeus are Hellenistic.)
Use the web link above to view Smarthistory.org material on Late Classical & Hellenistic art then decide
whether you want to focus on 4th C Classical art in your analysis or Hellenistic art.
Once you've selected your category, please select 1 of the 2 prompts below to shape your formal analysis.
Prompt for analysis of 4th C Classical works:
The Late Classical period is considered a transitional period in Greek art. Why?
Using the first two artworks (Apoxyomenos & Alexander Sarcophagus) as your formal evidence, explain how
4th C style represents an evolution of 5th C Classical style. You might consider how the Apoxyomenos is a
response to previous works like the Doryphorus and/or how the Alexander Sarcophagus is meant to be
understood in terms of traditional temple frieze ornamentation like one might find on the Parthenon. Each work
carries on certain aspects of the previous 5th C style but makes distinct changes.
Style is important both aesthetically and contextually - style gives material form to cultural meaning. What
historical and cultural changes might have influenced this stylistic shift?
Prompt for analysis of Hellenistic works:
The Pergamene style is not the only Hellenistic style but it is generally considered to be the most innovative
style of this period. Why?
Using the second two artworks (Dying Gaul & Altar of Zeus/Athena) as your formal evidence, explain why
Pergamene style is so innovative - and in particular - how Pergamene realism incorporates both movement
and expression. You might consider the relationship between these two works - even though one is sculpture in
the round and the other is high relief - what stylistic and/or thematic connections do they share?
Style is important both aesthetically and contextually - style gives material form to cultural meaning. What
historical and cultural changes might have influenced this stylistic shift?
Sample Solution