Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the “Severe Style” in early Classical Greek sculpture?
A) Simplicity and weight
B) Realistic emotional expression
C) Depiction of temporary and realistic roles
D) Exaggerated emotional expressions and ornate decoration
Answer: D)
What does the sculpture of Nike captures?
Answer: Dynamic motion with her flowing garments.
This structure, built in the mid-5th century BCE in Athens, is seen as a symbol of Athenian democracy and freedom. What is its name?
Answer: The Parthenon.
Which of the following is not an image depicted in the metopes of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia?
A) Heracles cleaning the Augean Stables
B) Heracles helping Atlas hold up the heavens
C) Heracles capturing the Cretan Bull
D) Heracles slaying Medusa
Answer: D)
Which is the most important aspect in The Panathenaic procession?
a. collective belonging
b. individualistic belonging
c. physical belonging
d. good academics
Answer: B
What techniques were used to create depth and perspective on flat surfaces?
Answer: perspective and shadowing techniques.
Which council, introduced by Cleisthenes in Athens, laid the foundation for Greek democracy?
Answer: The Council of 500 (Boule).
What are the two main stylistic elements used in the Parthenon’s sculpture?
Answer: Doric metopes and Ionic frieze.
This battle was a pivotal turning point in Greek history, where Athens and Sparta allied against the Persian Empire. What is the name of this battle?
Answer: The Battle of Marathon.
How did the statues and monuments at Olympia, depicting athletic achievement and heroic ideals impact citizens’ morals?
Answer: Strive for physical and moral excellence.
In ancient Greek sculpture, what does the term “Contrapposto” describe?
A) A pose in which the weight is evenly distributed across both legs
B) A stance where the body’s weight is on one leg, causing the opposite hip and shoulder to tilt at different angles
C) A traditional Archaic style where the body faces forward
D) An idealized expression with a smile on the face
Answer: B)
A significant event in 480-479 BCE is considered the starting point of the Classical period in ancient Greece. What was this event?
Answer: The Greek victory in the Persian Wars.
Name the stylistic technique used in ancient Greek sculpture to idealize the human body with refined proportions and posture, especially as established by Phidias.
Answer: Classical Style.
In Classical period sculptures, what features are often depicted in scenes showing warriors facing death?
Answer: Classical period warrior sculptures often convey lifelike emotional expression and naturalistic postures, enhancing realism.
Why was Pnyx made and how does that represent the Athennian societal values?
Pnyx was made for citizens to discuss politics; society focused on embodiment of civic values and communal engagement.
In the mid-5th century BC, what was the shift in Greek society?
Greek society shifted toward intellectual maturity in art, architecture, and philosophy. Artworks did not only portray the beauty but also delved into the philosophical themes and human potential.
What mythological story is depicted in the eastern pediment of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia?
Answer: The chariot race between Pelops and Oenomaus.
After the Persian Wars, Athens’ rise to hegemony in the Greek world led to its dominance as an imperial power. What event marked this ascendance?
Answer: The formation of the Delian League and Athens’ imperial expansion.
What role did mythological scenes, like the Amazonomachy on the Parthenon, play in Greek culture?
They illustrated Greek ideals of civilization versus barbarism, underscoring cultural superiority and collective identity.
The Nashville Parthenon symbolizes this value, honouring the ideals of education and cultural heritage from ancient Athens. What is this value?
Answer: Civic pride
What innovation in Greek monumental painting was used to enhance the realism of temple wall art?
Perspective and shadowing techniques, create a sense of depth on flat surfaces.
What is depicted on the metopes of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, which emphasizes themes of perseverance and heroism?
Answer: The Twelve Labors of Hercules
What does the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina represent?
Answer: Early classical Greek art, with its East and West pediments portraying scenes from the Trojan War.
How did the visual representation of Hercules on the metopes of the Temple of Zeus convey Greek values?
By depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules, the metopes conveyed themes of perseverance, heroism, and justice.
What concept did the Panathenaic procession represent in Athenian society?
Collective belonging and civic pride