Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Periods

The Archaic Period, ca. 600-480 B.C.E. is from the times of ancient Greece. Ancient Greek sculpture is dominated by images of the human figure. The most popular being that of the kouros, which is a lifesize representation of a nude male youth which is standing with one foot forward with the arms down by the sides. There is a female version of the kouros known as the kore, but these figures are clothed. One of the most famous kouros is the one found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With the Archaic period came freestanding figures. There was no supporting rods or solid webbing between the legs. The figures usually had enlarged eyes, also an enigmatic smile known as the Archaic smile, and also decorative hair. The bodies usually had surface decoration such as defined knee caps and muscle tones. Over time they became more stylized and naturalistic.

The Classical Period, ca. 490-323 B.C.E. was the time of the Golden Age in Greece. The human figure remained the most prominent figure used in sculpture. The kouros and kore were still used in this period, but they were more stylized and fit into formalized ideal standards. For example, The Kritios Boy which differs from the original kouroi of the Archaic Period. The spine forms an S shaped curve with one hip higher than the other. This is known as the contrapposto pose where the head is turned slightly to the side, and the body looks more natural and relaxed. The Classical Age was also known for the numerous sculptures of gods and goddesses. Many of these religious sculptures come from the Parthenon building which was a temple to the goddess Athena.

The Hellenistic Period, which began after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C.E.. Hellenistic art was based on the individuals and emotional states. The sculpture became more detailed, and focused on more than one main figure. For example, The Battle of the Gods and the Giants, which shows an action and violence between the gods, and the giants who revolted against them. This subject is known as gigantomachy is the subject of many Hellenistic sculptors. The sculptures of this period are much more detailed and show more action from the figures than those of the Archaic and Classical periods.

All in all Greece has some of the most beautiful sculptures and artwork in the entire world.
The cities are so beautiful and surreal that it would take a trip there to understand what it's really like.