Greek Architecture and Sculpture

Archaic and Classical Greek architecture are very similar to the untrained eye. However, there are a few major differences. For example, the first Archaic architecture in Greece was made out of wood (that changed later though) and Classical architecture is always made from stone. Archaic architecture had columns that were not tapered, as opposed to the tapered columns of the Classical Greeks. They tapered them to make the buildings appear as though they were not bulging. Both periods had fluted columns. The fluted columns made the buildings appear taller, however that method worked best when paired with the tapered columns. Another major difference is the entryways in the buildings. The Archaic Greeks made buildings that were accessible from any point around the entire building. The Classical Greeks made buildings that had solid walls and were only accessible from usually two places around the entire building. The Classical Greeks used mathematics to create the perfect measurements that made the flawless temples such as the Parthenon (shown below).

The changes that developed from the Archaic and late Classical Greek sculptures can be summarized in three major changes. First, the move from static to motion. Let's take Kroisos(I) for example. He is locked in a static pose that represents power and stature. It is the same pose used by the Egyptians in their sculptures. Doryphoros by Polykleitos (II) has a naturalistic pose. He has an engaged arm that shows that he had to move it in order to get it there, but perhaps the best example of motion in Classical Greek architecture is Diskobolis by Myron(III). The second major change is the loss of the archaic smile in Classical Greek sculpture. The third major change is the porportions of the sculptures in the Classical Greek sculpture are perfect because the artists used mathematics to perfect it.

I. II. III.