Idealization in Greek Art

    This is an image comparison that compares two different Greek statues, one made in the Archaic period, and one from the High Classical period. These statues are being compared because both the statues are used as a representation of a strong male. This is because the Greeks wanted to represent humanism and the importance of man. Despite the similarities in concept, these statues are still very different in style. The Metropolitan Kouros is considered abstract while the Doryphoros is a representation of realism in Greek art.

 On the left is the “Metropolitan Kouros”, c. 600–590 BCE, made by an unknown artist we call the Master of the Metropolitan Kouros or the Met master. On the right is a roman copy of the original Bronze “Doryphoros” (Spear Bearer), c. 450–440 BCE. The original is from the High Classical period, by Polykleitos, the best-known theorist at the time. 

    The Metropolitan Kouros is a statue from the Archaic period that uses the standard pose of Egyption Sculpture, a male nude, standing with fists to its sides, left foot forward, and front-facing head. The Metropolitan kouros is entirely free-standing, and meant to be seen from all sides. The Metropolitan Kouros also has a slight smile in order to show life. The artist Polykleitos made the statue Doryphoros in order to show his theory (Canon) for constructing the ideal human figure. This sculpture is also meant to be seen from all sides, and was used as a representation of a strong male. The statue is very idealized, using what Polykleitos considered the most desirable attributes of the male body. The Metropolitan Kouros also used idealized features and body parts such as strong arms, legs, and chest, but the statue is stylized and not considered realism because of its rigid structure and disproportionate body parts. Even the facial features are idealized and disproportionate. 

    Just as the Egyptians used rules and grids to create art, the Greeks used vertical and horizontal symmetry in creating the Metropolitan Kouros, but the symmetry is why the statue looks so rigid and stiff. Doryphoros, on the other hand, uses a natural pose. There is a weight shift in his legs which is called Contrapposto. In this statue there is no need for a smile to show life because the life is shown in the detail, realism and naturalism of the pose. The muscles are defined and carved in detail. The arms are placed in a natural way, one arm up to hold onto a spear. The head is turned to the side instead of front-facing. Lastly, it’s important to mention that the Original statue by Polykleitos was made of Bronze, while the Metropolitan Kouros was made of Marble. The Greeks started using marble in the 5th century BC for its beauty, durability, and brightness. The Greeks had been using bronze since before 3000 BC for its strength, malleability, and ability to capture fine detail. That’s why bronze became a better tool for creating statues using realism.