Prompt/Purpose

Using the skills outlined in your reading of "Studying the Humanistic Tradition" (Fiero, xvi-xvii) earlier this semester and the Intro and Primer PowerPoint, apply formal text analysis to one of the sculptures of your choice pictured in Chapter 5 of your text.

Revised

Andrea Price

Mrs. Karen Scheafer

HUM 2211

09 Oct 2007

“Ideals through Sculpture”

            Greek art was influenced by a sense of the individual and celebrated the concept to its fullest. The status of human beings in relation to the gods was redefined, since the days of the Egyptians. For the first time, the gods were not infallible; Zeus had his womanizing ways and Hera, her jealousy. The Such ideas were reflected in Greek works, such as Aphrodite of Knidos.

             The piece was replicated by Praxiteles, a Roman, and along with many other artistic pieces, has influenced art across the globe for thousands of years. Aphrodite of Knidos was most likely made for aesthetic reasons and perhaps in a tribute to the goddess’s untold beauty. Her portions are perfect and she is well-detailed; however, she has no flaws. The search for the perfect human was a goal of Greek culture; and of course, the perfect human body could not have blemishes. Aphrodite appears almost mortal; she is very casual in her pose but remains almost ethereal in her beauty. Greeks brought out their values and ideals through their art; immortalizing thus in sculpture.

            Ideals, values and a celebration of the individual combined to create the Greek Classical Style. It also triggered a shift from the old traditions of gods over mortals, to the reverse. Art such as Aphrodite of Knidos influenced the Romans through to the modern day, and thrives. (Fiero)

226 words

(Figure 5.12 Praxiteles, Aphrodite of Knidos. Pg. 113)

Works Cited

Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. Vol. 1. Fifth Ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2006. 112-113.