ARTICLE
more “natural” or “realistic”. Two good examples of
Ancient Greek artists had their minds set on making
Contrapposto are the “Venus de Milo” and “David”
the most realistic human possible through different
(while the David sculpture by Michelangelo isn’t
forms of art until achieving perfection and greatness.
from the Hellenistic Period, it is of Renaissance
Up until this day, artists still study Ancient Greek
which took ideas from the Hellenistic Period).
works of art for the excellent craftsmanship and the
Besides dramatic posing, Contrapposto brought
preserved history or story behind each and every
sweeping lines, high contrast of light, shadows, and
piece. Art may not appeal to everyone and most
emotion. Emotions? Yes emotions. The subject that
likely some of you readers enjoy art while most are
was considered barbaric is now embraced by the
interested in learning a bit about it or none at all.
experimental freedom that is the Hellenistic Freedom.
Sure, art might seem a bit intimidating due to the
Not all sculptures show facial expressions
sheer amount of different art movements, but don’t
greatly, but most of the emotions is showed by the
be discouraged, art is a wonderful part of history and
contrapposto. Now, what separates the Classical
has always been side by side with every historical
from Hellenistic? Well, while deities and heroic
event and is the identity of each culture. I would
themes were still popular, it wasn’t the emphasis of
have loved to go into more details about specific
Hellenistic art. The attention shifted from religious
sculptures and the history behind it but alas, time is
and naturalistic themes to dramatic human
the enemy. As a fan of art, I feel that I have succeeded
expression, psychological and spiritual preoccupation,
in explaining a bit of art in a short and simple way that
and theatrical settings. Power and energy was
isn’t long and monotonous. I want to thank everyone
to be the key expression of many Hellenistic art.
who took their time to read my special two part lesson
Sculptors not only depict the subject’s true outward
on art, it brings me much joy to be able to teach.
appearance, but further strives to express their inner
Hopefully by Summer I can work on another special
world, by the depiction of characteristics and poses
art or history lesson, but for now I will go back to my
that show inner feelings, thoughts, and attitudes.
tiny corner as a Photographer for the magazine. ■
In closing, Greek art inspired countless artistic
By Jonathan Costas
movements like the Renaissance and Neoclassical.
12 The SMITE Community Magazine Issue #11
The GameOn Magazine