Hellenistic

While the classical period focused on idealized figures, Hellenistic artists explored a wider range of subjects — including the wounded and defeated, and the very young and very old. A new interest in drama and engaging the viewer also characterizes this period.

323–146 B.C.E.

videos + essays

We're adding new content all the time!

Portraits of Alexander the Great
Portraits of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great’s influential portraits lived long after he did, on Hellenistic coins, in Roman copies, and in many other ways.

<em>The Dying Gaul</em>, reconsidered
The Dying Gaul, reconsidered

The Dying Gaul’s complicated politics merit a closer look.

Empire and Art in the Hellenistic world (c. 350–31 B.C.E.)
Empire and Art in the Hellenistic world (c. 350–31 B.C.E.)

This three-hundred-year period was one of artistic vibrance and immense culture influence.

<em>Statue of a Victorious Youth</em> <br>Getty Conversations
Statue of a Victorious Youth
Getty Conversations

Would you believe that this ancient Greek statue was found at the bottom of the ocean by fishermen in the 1960s?

Athanadoros, Hagesandros, and Polydoros of Rhodes, <em>Laocoön and his Sons</em>
Athanadoros, Hagesandros, and Polydoros of Rhodes, Laocoön and his Sons

The writhing agony of the Trojan Laocoon made this Hellenistic masterpiece famous throughout history.

<em>Nike (Winged Victory) of Samothrace</em>
Nike (Winged Victory) of Samothrace

On the island of Samothrace, the wind whipped the clothing of this stone goddess of victory.

<em>Alexander Mosaic</em> from the House of the Faun, Pompeii
Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun, Pompeii

Sources tell us that painting was the Greek’s finest art form: is this a hint at what we’re missing?

Nemrut Dağ (tomb of King Antiochus I Theos)
Nemrut Dağ (tomb of King Antiochus I Theos)

The mausoleum of Antiochus I is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period.

The Pergamon Altar
The Pergamon Altar

Greek gods battle Giants for supremacy of the universe, so deeply carved that they almost step out into our world.

A moment in time that’s lasted 2,000 years— the <i>Spinario (Boy with Thorn)</i>
A moment in time that’s lasted 2,000 years— the Spinario (Boy with Thorn)

How to represent an everyday moment—from the ancient world to the Renaissance

Bronze statue of Eros sleeping
Bronze statue of Eros sleeping

Cupid, chubby and quietly sleeping, is a common symbol today … but what did this sculpture mean to ancient Greeks?

<em>Barberini Faun</em>
Barberini Faun

Part man, part goat, this companion of the god of wine relaxes after a night of drinking.

Selected Contributors