Hellenistic Art

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During the Hellenistic age, Greek art experienced a time of experimentation in which artists broke the rules of Classical art, exploring new subjects, varying emotional states, and differing ranges of motion. By exploring new forms of art, Hellenistic artists sought to capture not only the true appearance of the individual but also the essence of their personality. Common in the Hellenistic period was the technique of mold-casting, in which wet clay was applied to a prototype or mold. Terracotta figurines became increasingly popular because of the ease at which they could be inexpensively mass-produced, and thus became common household items for decoration. Characterizing the diversity of the Hellenistic period in depicting figures of varying…show more content…
She is fully clothed in a flowing floor-length peplos and chiton which serves to highlight or conceal certain parts of her body through the drapery of the folds. The folds of her garment capture the curve of her buttocks and flow downwards to become thicker and more distinguished at the bottom of the skirt which rests atop a circular base. Her right foot is shown stretching forward, peeking out between the folds of her garment. As her hand curves downward without fingers showing, her right arm extends outward. Although not readily apparent from the direction in which she is displayed, her left arm is also missing. Her neck is elongated as her head tilts backwards, gazing over her right shoulder. Though her facial features are difficult to distinguish, her lips are drawn tightly together in a somber expression. An armband can be identified on the top of her right arm, and her hair is parted in the center and tucked into a bun with remnants of red paint still…show more content…
The dancer possesses a dynamic composition which can be observed from multiple angles, challenging the traditional frontal orientation of Classical sculpture. At the same time, her motion appears to be dignified and refined, giving off the appearance of an elegant, upper class woman, much like the type one would want their daughters to look up to. She is depicted wearing a neatly parted hairstyle which is tucked into a bun, standing in stark contrast to the wild, deeply drilled strands of Seated Aphrodite. She wears an armband on her right arm, indicating a certain degree of wealth. Her figure is slender and she is modest, fully clothed in a floor-length peplos and chiton that covers her up but still displays her femininity through the use of
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