Early Classical

The Early Classical period combines the austere nobility of the archaic style with an increasing interest in naturalistic movement—often rendered in gleaming bronze.

c. 480–448 B.C.E.

Beginner's Guide

What is the Early Classical period?

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Kritios Boy
Kritios Boy

Following war with the Persians, this highly naturalistic sculpture was buried out of respect.

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.

Contrapposto explained
Contrapposto explained

The ancient Greeks mastered the naturalistic representation of the human body, and the Renaissance revived it.

Artemision Zeus or Poseidon
Artemision Zeus or Poseidon

This bronze god sank to the bottom of the sea where he sat for millennia, but who is he and what can he tell us?

<em>Charioteer of Delphi</em>
Charioteer of Delphi

Take part in the celebration of an athlete’s victory—this life-size bronze is a hinge between the Archaic and Classical.

East and West Pediments from the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina
East and West Pediments from the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina

Explore the evolution of ancient Greek sculpture with two groups from the same temple, but that seem ages apart.

<em>Riace Warriors</em>
Riace Warriors

Archaeologists pulled these bronze warriors from the sea in 1972, but their origin and date remain a mystery.

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