ARTH 466
Hellenistic Sculpture and the Beginning of Art History Spring 2013
Division I
Cross-listed CLAS 466
This is not the current course catalog

The Hellenistic period begins with Alexander the Great’s extension of the borders of the Greek world from the central Mediterranean to the banks of the Indus River. Kingdoms replaced city-states as important centers of power. Increased trade and movement of individuals between Greece, Egypt and the Near and Middle East, encouraged a cross-cultural examination of religion, philosophy, literature and art. The new cosmopolitan attitude brought about not only a revolution in sculptural ideals and forms but in the approach towards art in general. Museums and libraries are established for the first time, and the concept of collecting art takes hold. We see a historical self-consciousness, and self-referential quality in sculpture as well as a new interest in theatricality and the diversity of human nature and experience. This course will explore Hellenistic sculpture through the close study of individual works of art of the fourth through first centuries B.C.E., as well as the broader philosophical, religious, literary and political forces that encouraged its innovations. Reading material includes ancient literature in translation, recent surveys of Hellenistic sculpture and recent critical essays. Interested upper level students of any major are welcome. We will begin the term with a brief history of Greek sculpture for those who haven’t taken a course in ancient art.