As I began my search for an artifact to identify from the Late Bronze Age in Ancient Greece, I looked for a piece that would symbolize a major difference in stylistic change from the previous period. The artifact that captured my attention and satisfied my requirement, was none other than the Falling Warrior from the East Pediment at the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina. The subjects depicted in the pediment represent the warriors from the battles at Troy. The Falling Warrior was created c. 490 BC and is the first sculpted figure at the pediment’s right end. It is constructed of marble and is 1.42m long. It is currently on display at the Glyptothek in Munich, Germany.
While observing the Falling Warrior, one can immediately depict the sense of drama that the sculptor was attempting to create. One can feel the pain and admire the courage and nobility this warrior had during the battle. I believe the sculptor designed the dramatic figure as a tribute to the warriors lost during the battles at Troy. This depiction would have constantly reminded the Ancient Greek people of the patriotic warriors that died for their state and thus promote devotion to the ruling Greek government.
Despite what the political intentions of the sculptor would have been, gazing at the Falling Warrior as an individualized sculpture is a marvel alone. Observing more closely, one can immediately notice the twist in body movement as the warrior tries to raise his body back up. Clinging to the enormous shield and looking downward, one can conclude that the warrior is severely injured. Yet, despite his injuries, he is still not giving up the battle and desperately attempts to survive. Through this agile movement, the sculptor has created a dramatic moment not to be forgotten. The lower leg is positioned in a pushing movement while the upper leg is getting ready to do the same. This shows the attempt of the Falling warrior to use the ground surface as leverage to rise back up. Although the Falling warrior is determined to survive, his injuries obviously lead toward his death.
Attention to detail is significant throughout the sculpture. The feet and toes are bent and in constant movement (pl.1-1). Both calve muscles are flexed indicating use of the lower legs as a pushing factor (pl.1-2). Thigh muscles are also shown clearly joining the movement of the lower leg. While the lower part of the body seems to be in a struggle of survival, the upper body is more concerned with supporting itself from falling (pl.1-3). The forearm muscles are erected while the joining hand is pushing up off the ground. However, the joining bicep is not as flexed and may perhaps indicate an area of pain (pl.1-4). The chest is also very calm while the left bicep is hard at work, supporting the entire upper body by combining forces with the shield. Detail of the double handle is shown fiercely in conjunction with the warriors left hand (pl.1-5). This shows the warrior’s strength, as the size of the shield indicates very heavy armor. The helmet clings to the warriors head and a beard is portrayed as well as the eye in profile view, a common trait of that period.
In comparison to the earlier built, Fallen Warrior at the West pediment at the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina, a major stylistic change can be noted. The Fallen Warrior from the West Pediment, built c. 500 BC, one can see the traditional Late Archaic smile that the warrior has. This is a very unnatural behavior that a real falling warrior would not depict. Also very troubling, is the twist that the warrior’s body is in. The right leg is crossing the left leg, which would have been very uncommon, and a troublesome position for a real warrior in pain. At the same time, while performing this twist and continuing to smile, the warrior is retracting an arrow from his chest. These traits are well noted by the later sculptor who pays more attention to natural body movement. In the Fallen Warrior on the East pediment, the twist, and changes in masses depicted is much more likely to occur in reality. Also the constant smile is lost as it probably would have been as the real warrior encountered his death. Clearly, the sculptor has mastered the natural form of representation.
The stylistic difference between the two warriors are very important in determining the period of the Falling Warrior from the East Pediment. Recognizing the factors mentioned above, the Falling Warrior from the east pediment marks the entrance into the Early Classical period. Traditional with this period is the artist’s attempt to achieve perfection of reality in their artwork. Representation of body mass in many sculptures, including the Falling warrior, supports this notion.
Another recognizable aspect is the sculptor’s realization in producing work in accordance with the architectural requirements of the temples. The Falling Warrior not only achieves it’s dramatic sense but also fills in the triangular corner of the pediment. The artist creates a scale for the figures to be fitted into the pediment. Although, the artist believes he has achieved complete perfection, one can see that the navel on the Fallen Warrior has been misplaced. Despite the imperfection, it is clear that a goal of perfection in realism and scale was trying to be achieved.
In conclusion, Speculative identification of the Fallen Warrior from the East Pediment of the temple of Temple of Aphaia at Aegina has proven very helpful in understanding the change in lifestyle that must have occurred between the Late Archaic and Early Classical periods. By means of observation, one can already see that life is becoming less controlled, more relaxed and focused on reality rather than false representations of Ancient Greek life.
Biers R. William.
The Archaeology of Greece. 2nd ed.
New York: Cornell University Press, 1996.
Croix De La Horst, Tansey G. Richard, Kirkpatrick Diane
Art Through The Ages. 9th ed.
New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, 1987.
Другие работы по теме:
Poem Fading Away Essay Research Paper as
Poem: Fading Away Essay, Research Paper as i gaze at the falling rain trying to get away from all the pain som uch tension rising in the air dying inside does anyone care
Sleeping Essay Research Paper Midnight I come
Sleeping Essay, Research Paper Midnight, I come across the sky as I look out the window in my small old house. I reach my head out, as the moonlight holds me down, to see if she was sleeping.
Greek Tragedy Essay Research Paper The Greek
Greek Tragedy Essay, Research Paper The Greek Tragedy The tragedy was a large part of people’s lives in ancient Greece. Tragedies became prominent long before Christ was born. A tragedy, or goat-song, usually were seen during festivals in ancient Greek times. Tragedies gradually increased in seriousness until they were given utmost importance.
Cancer The Crab Essay Research Paper Cancer
Cancer: The Crab Essay, Research Paper Cancer: The Crab Cancer is a constellation, also known as the crab. You can see the stars that make up cancer during the winter in the eastern
Greek History Essay Research Paper Classical Studies
Greek History Essay, Research Paper Classical Studies (OFC304C) Skills Practice Task Short Answers 1) The sources for ancient history are divided into four categories. Name each of them, and briefly describe two of those categories.
Environmental Archaeology Essay Research Paper IF
Environmental Archaeology Essay, Research Paper IF we want to know how humans functioned we must know what their world was like ? thus environmental reconstruction Geomorphical and biological processes occurring
Jewish Essay Research Paper Beowulf EssayThere were
Jewish Essay, Research Paper Beowulf Essay There were many differences between Beowulf the play and 13th Warrior the movie. In the play Beowulf was depicted as a soul warrior who?s strength and ability was
Phidias Essay Research Paper Phidias
Phidias Essay, Research Paper Phidias Phidias is often considered one of the greatest ancient Greek sculpturs. As an Anthenian sculptor, he worked primarily in bronze or in gold and ivory,
Astrology Essay Research Paper it was about
Astrology Essay, Research Paper it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like in roman days.it was about greek gods and they the way they were/suposidly like
The Hutu And Tutsi Tribes In Rwanda
Essay, Research Paper The Hutu and Tutsi Tribes In Rwanda The Hutu and Tutsi’s tribes of Rwanda have been at war for centuries. The fighting began 5 centuries ago when the Tutsi a warrior tribe of Hamatic
Archaeology Essay Research Paper Lingenfelter 1
Archaeology Essay, Research Paper Lingenfelter 1 YurchisinEnglish 102-2119 February, 1999Archaeology Have you ever wanted to search the world for lost civilizations? The study of archaeology is practiced around the world. The field of archaeology is a fascinating career for both amateurs and professionals.
Sir Lanval Essay Research Paper Intro paragraph
Sir Lanval Essay, Research Paper Intro paragraph: A warrior is a person that values his country and will protect it at all costs. He is brave and valient and does not care whether he dies in battle just as long as he’s fighting for his country and for a good cause. Sometimes warriors sacrifice their beliefs in the case of love or religion.
Religion Essay Research Paper Religion912
Religion Essay, Research Paper Religion912 There are many different cultures and religions in this world. I was assigned to attend a different denomination church then my own. I attended St.Nick s liturgy. St.Nick s is a Greek Orthodox Church.
Greek Art Essay Research Paper Erin LiveseyMay
Greek Art Essay, Research Paper Erin Livesey May 7, 2000 Extra Credit “Ancient Faces: Mummy Portraits From Roman Egypt” a special exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art concentrates on 70 portraits painted in Egypt during the first few centuries of Roman rule. Rome controlled Egypt as it controlled much else, through a policy of calculated multiculturalism.
Iliad Paper Essay Research Paper How does
Iliad Paper Essay, Research Paper How does Achilles change? Why does the change take place? Which personality is the true Achilles? Initially, Achilles is selfish and petty. He refuses to fight in the war because Agamemnon takes Briseis. His selfishness causes the death of many Argives. Without the strength and power of Achilles, no other Greek warrior is able to repel the powerful Hector.
Beowulf And Macbeth Essay Research Paper Warrior
Beowulf And Macbeth Essay, Research Paper Warrior, gladiator, knight, or soldier, what ever you call it, they are the ones that do the dirty work in a certain society. A warrior is a defined as a man
Greek And Roman Arches And Architecture Essay
, Research Paper Architectural designs changed greatly since the ancient times. Most famous architectures and sculptures today originated from the Greek and Roman civilizations. Moreover,
Greek Geography Essay Research Paper The geography
Greek Geography Essay, Research Paper The geography in Ancient Greece did affect the way the Greeks lived their day-to-day lives. Greek?s geography prevented most kinds of agriculture the opportunity to grow. Also, it forced most of the Greek city-states to develop their own customs and government. Being on the seafront of the Mediterranean Sea gave them many opportunities to make an empire.
What Is The Greatest Difference Between Greek
And Roman Architecture Essay, Research Paper Greek Architecture Greek architecture has been noted as some of the world s finest buildings known to man kind. Such as the Parthenon, and the temples they built to their Gods, have been studied over for many years. The way these structures were built is fascinating.
Summary On Odysseus Essay Research Paper John
Summary On Odysseus Essay, Research Paper John Harris February 4, 2001 English 207 (World Literature) Dr. J.K. VanDover Finley, M.I. The World of Odysseus. New York: Viking Press, 1978: 126 ? 129.
Greece Heroism Essay Research Paper Greece HeroismIn
Greece: Heroism Essay, Research Paper Greece: Heroism In ancient Greek times heroism was much different than it is now. Today, all you have to do to become a hero most of the time is rich, after you do this the
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Greek Gods 2 Essay Research Paper Greek
Greek Gods 2 Essay, Research Paper Greek Gods Zeus is the king of all the gods. Zeus had to kill his father who eats Zeus s brothers and sisters, so that he can free them. He than had to marry his sister Hera. He was not always with Hera, but with mortal women. Hera the wife of Zeus is always jealous of Zeus sneaking of to another women and gets angry all the time.
Significance Of The Hands Of Achilleus Essay
, Research Paper Achilleus’ hands are a prevalent image in Homer’s Iliad. By focusing on Achilleus’ hands, we as the audience, gain insight on not only the character of Achilleus but also the customs of the society in which he lived. Much of this insight is not directly conveyed to the reader but a deeper look into the reasoning behind why the hands were focused on will reveal the insight mentioned before.
Greeks Essay Research Paper The greeks were
Greeks Essay, Research Paper The greeks were fascinating ye BRISEIS Captive girl originally awarded to Achilleus but taken by Agamemnon, precipitating the “wrath of Achilleus.”
The Roman Empire Essay Research Paper Greek
The Roman Empire Essay, Research Paper Greek culture laid the foundation for the Roman Empire. The Roman people wanted to be like the Greek people. For example the Romans made a sculpture of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The Romans recognized the Greek art and architecture to be very well done. Since the Romans likes these traits of the Greek they used the Greeks ideas and created there own.
Homers Ajax Essay Research Paper The relevance
Homer`s Ajax Essay, Research Paper The relevance that the themes of tragedy could have to issues affecting the city-state even in plays whose plots had ostensibly nothing to do with life in a
The Clash Of The Titans Essay Research
Paper The movie “The Clash of the Titans” was very good because it was a fantasy-adventure based on Greek mythology and Greek history. Perseus, the son of Zeus, must face a variety of awesome challenges in pursuit of his destiny. It is a long and episodic movie with fine elements that focuses its story on ancient mythology.