Classical

Even though this period is so brief, when you think of ancient Greek art, you likely think of the art produced during this period: the Parthenon, the noble caryatids on the Erechtheion, and the perfect proportions of the Doryphoros.

c. 450–400 B.C.E.

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Metope with Athena, Herakles, and Atlas from the Temple of Zeus, Olympia
Metope with Athena, Herakles, and Atlas from the Temple of Zeus, Olympia

Originally part of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, this metope tells an important story from the life of Herakles.

Temple of Zeus, Olympia
Temple of Zeus, Olympia

The Temple of Zeus and its decorations encouraged visitors to consider the heroism and artistic prowess of the Greeks.

Polykleitos, <em>Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer)</em>
Polykleitos, Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer)

For the ancient Greeks, the human body was perfect. Explore this example of the mathematical source of ideal beauty.

Who owns the Parthenon sculptures?
Who owns the Parthenon sculptures?

Ancient Greeks made them, Ottomans captured them, Venetians blew them up, and the British took them away.

Temple of Athena Nike on the Athenian Acropolis
Temple of Athena Nike on the Athenian Acropolis

Don’t overlook this stunning, little temple, often called the pearl of the Acropolis.

The Erechtheion
The Erechtheion

Perched on a cliff high above Athens, this complex temple is very different from its neighbor, the Parthenon.

<em>Plaque of the Ergastines</em>
Plaque of the Ergastines

Bits of the Parthenon have been spirited all over the world—in Paris, a fragment shows religious life in Athens.

The Athenian Agora and the experiment in democracy
The Athenian Agora and the experiment in democracy

We recognize ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy, but what did democracy really mean to the Greeks?

<em>Nike Adjusting Her Sandal</em>, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, Athens
Nike Adjusting Her Sandal, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, Athens

Compare this off-balance image of the goddess of victory to earlier classical sculpture.

The Parthenon, Athens
The Parthenon, Athens

Athena's great temple has inspired for 2,500 years, and only became a ruin fairly recently.

<em>Grave stele of Hegeso</em>
Grave stele of Hegeso

See the mastery of form developed in the Classical period translated to private art on this solemn gravestone.

Myron, <em>Discobolus (Discus Thrower)</em>
Myron, Discobolus (Discus Thrower)

Coiled with athletic energy, balance, and the promise of movement, see the potential of an idealized human body.

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