Hellenistic Laocoon and His Sons

Hellenistic

Laocoon and His Sons

Medium: Sculpture

Dimensions: 12x

Artist: Agesander of Rhodes, Polydorus of Rhodes, Athenodoros of Rhodes

Location in textbook: Chapter 5

Art is often a reflection of the underlying economic and cultural perspectives governing a particular time period. Art is many instances reflect the lives of the artist that creates a particular work. Many of the more famous artists such as Van Gogh or Monet, has particularly interesting personal lives. The conflicts, turmoil's, and successes of their lives are often reflecting in their artwork. The Hellenistic era is no different in this regard. The underlying political and economic turmoil characterizing this period is reflecting in many of the more popular artists. To begin the Hellenistic era was a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur. This style was not relegated only to the paintings but its impressions can be felt in many genres of art including in sculpture, architecture, literature, amphoras, dance and music. The art was often seen on large vase like containers called Kraters. This style was often used to showcase the wealth of the aristocracy who commanded much of the Roman and Greek empire. In regards to architecture many sculpting's were located on the frieze of buildings. The frieze was characterized by wide central sections of buildings. This allowed the sculpting to have maximum visibility. It was also located on the architrave of large beams supporting the overall building structure. Finally, the pediment was a main focal point during this era in regards to architecture. Much like the frieze, it provided a main focal point of display for sculptures. This exaggerated movement was particularly appealing to the Romans who used to the style to portray biblical themes throughout Rome, Italy, and much of Europe. Many of the aristocracy used the style to portray a sense of power or grandiose nature to guests and visitors. It was also used to exaggerate many of their own triumphs in a manner that was elaborate.

During the Hellenistic period, there was a dramatic religious split in the Church with the formation of Protestantism. Catholics reacted with the Counter-Reformation to revitalize Catholicism. They needed to attract viewers with religious art that more significantly impacted onlookers. As such the Hellenistic style of paining was used partially as a marketing tool to attract followers. However, it was also used to convey religious elements in a manner that was appealing to many non-believers during the period. To obtain the attention of the general population, the artwork needed to be stunning both visually and conceptual. As such the Hellenistic was the ideal candidate in which to achieve these objectives. At this time, there was also a general knowledge that the Earth was in motion, which was a giant conceptual leap to show this aspect of life in art. The idea of motion therefore, quickly entered into the Hellenistic style of painting. Compositions tended to have more open space. Objects and scenes were in a state of motion to create emotion; they either came out at the viewer or something could fall on the viewer. The motion in these pieces was created through circular or diagonal compositions.

In addition the Hellenistic period was characterized with more freedoms as oppose to eras such as the Dark Ages. Many areas in Europe became more excepting and tolerant places with respect to religion and traditions. This ultimately extended into the arts which allowed women to be painters. Thinking back to older times, medieval and Renaissance women artists typically learned to paint from their husbands and fathers because formal apprenticeships were not open to them. Society during the Hellenistic period was generally open and free which allowed for more creative thought