Victory, Religion, Gods, And Funerary Motifs

Victory, Religion, Gods, and Funerary Motifs

Ancient Greece, Rome, the Etruscans, and the Christians left many remnants that tell of their way of life; memorials for gods, narrative stories of religion, funerary relief, and the monumental sculptures dedicated to the victories of great heroes. The popular way to represent narratives or scenarios was the use of relief sculptures. The sculptors felt the need to capture people, moments, and ideas not only for personal use, but also for the general public to appreciate.

Ancient Greece had many subjects of use in their art works, but the one most frequently used was of the gods and goddesses. In fig. 5-54 p.141 Nike adjusting her sandal, Southside of the parapet of the Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, is an example of how highly they held her. Inside and joined by other relief, Nike, in this one, is casually bending forward and adjusting her sandal. This common act has the impression of her human nature, but the form in which she uses is not common at all. She shows elegance and grace in her movements. The sculptor's approach for beauty lies not in the supple, youthful figure, but on the intricate details. Very intricate linear patterns on her drapery folds ripple as if they are alive. The sculptor gave her depth by carving deep pockets for shade, and as a contrast, brightly polished marble. The purpose of this was to represent the victory over the Persians. Other than the very humanizing act Nike is performing, she is also displayed handling spoils trophies with Persian dÐ"?cor, as well as taking part in sacrificial rites to Athena.

Ancient Etruscan relief sculptures were in forms of funerary memorials, or tombs. Fig 9-7 p.239 Interior of the Tomb of Reliefs, Cerveteri, Italy, ca third century bce. Shows an abundance of reliefs. Carved out of tufa bedrock, this particular piece is different from the typically bland tomb reliefs. It is brightly painted with stucco giving it a lively look in such a morbid place, and the depiction is not of commemorating powerful people, but of the common man. The subject matter consists of the everyday day supplies used in life such as knives, stools, mirrors, pitchers, and drinking cups.

Most reliefs of the Christian era involved religious depictions, many of which involved ones' conversion of faith. One example is Fig. 11-5 p.306 Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, from Rome, Italy, ca 359. Marble, 3'10 _" x 8'. Carved out of slabs of marble are