Link to a statue of Hermes that exemplifies s-curve statues:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/1b/0b/6f/1b0b6fc58a0fa942d958af01435e0a89.jpg
Saturday, September 6, 2014
S-Curved Statues
One of the terms that interested me during our little exercise yesterday was the s-curve that some Hellenic statues possess. I found out that this s-curve is related to the term contrapposto, which simply refers to the slouching image of a figure. These depictions often appear to be resting most of their weight on one leg. The s-curve, however, is a more advanced art technique because it involves more focus on the whole body compared to contrapposto's focus on posture. Our text book also talks about the first sculptor who used the s-curve in his art, Praxiteles. I feel that, by depicting his models as slouched in his statues, Praxiteles makes his work seem more natural and relaxed. On onlooker might think, "Hey! This guy is just like me.......only nude."
Link to a statue of Hermes that exemplifies s-curve statues:
Link to a statue of Hermes that exemplifies s-curve statues:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I agree with Ross that the "slouch" makes the figures more real and relatable. Also, I think the skill Praxiteles and other artists who use the technique show in their use of the S-curve reflects increased knowledge concerning anatomy and the human form. Like Ross was saying, the statues look like real people, a feat that could not have been accomplished a few centuries prior.
I really like how these artists explored anatomy through sculpture. When you look at Hellenistic art, it's very realistic. The face is very detailed and the muscles are spot on and well defined. In modern times, we use science and technology to study the human anatomy, but back then I guess art was the only way to go. During the Hellenistic period, they really only sculpted fit, young people. It would be interesting to see how those artists would have sculpted a larger, older person.
Post a Comment