"Look At All This Art!"

Greek Art is normally classified in three categories: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic. Athenian influences are presented in Greek art, when Athens began to dominate Greece. Pericles, in hopes of drawing attention to his government, commissioned the Parthenon. Examples of Classical Greek art include the Athenian Parthenos, the birth of Athena, and a battle between Athena and Poseidon. In the Geometric period, the period coined by historians that is before Archaic, repetitive figures and shapes were common on pottery and paintings. During the Archaic period, vase painting was an important artform. Through complicated processes, they were able to achieve intricate and detailed images. The Classical period depicted myths, everyday lives, and comedians. Realistic sculptures began to emerge as artists redefined their technique, and the Contrapposto Pose became increasingly popular. Greeks preferred their subjects highly idealized.Corinthian columns were more dynamic than Doric or Ionic columns. For propaganda purposes, Hellenistic art was used in the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Roman art can be immediately related to Doric and Ionic columns, along with busts of famous men. Early Roman art drew from many different cultures and places. They used the Etruscans for influence, for example, circa 800 BCE. The Etruscans were dedicated to making funerary objects and burial places. Romans drew heavily from Greek style, and they also made realistic sculptures. Roman artists had a more realistic outlook on sculptures, while the Greeks perfected any flaws. Augustus emphasized art as a way of communication since it didn't require literacy. The widespread invention of concrete made even more advanced architectures possible. Aqueducts, bridges, public baths, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum were examples of Roman architecture. Soon Roman art began reflecting Christian themes. The decline in importance of Rome, also led to the decline in Roman art.

As it spread through the Roman empire, Christianity began influencing Roman art. However, this religion did not allow the recreation of divine images, so they prohibited sculptures, but allowed paintings to be created. The style and imagery were completely new since many artists came from other regions. This religion's art draws from many cultures and styles. The Roman catacombs were the first examples found of early Christian art. Most paintings had an impressionistic style; images of Christianity adorned the catacombs' walls. Christian sarcophagi had a blend of traditional Roman structures and Biblical scenes. Jesus was usually depicted with more light-hearted allegories such as the Good Sheppard, the Peacock, the anchor, and the Lamb. Sculptures were detailed and proportional, though people with higher influence had larger sculptures. Christian art is divided into two periods: before and after of the Edict of Milan. Once Christianity no longer needed to be disguised, the period of Byzantine art began.