Abstract This paper attempts an overview and discussion of some of the most pertinent aspects of Hellenistic tombs. The paper focuses on their architectural significance, as well as on the related architectural and historical connotation and implications of these tombs. One of the aspects that the paper focuses are the antecedents of Hellenic forms of architecture, their forms design and meaning.
Outline
Introduction
Historical and Architectural Overview
Mycenaean Tombs HellenicTombs Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the ways in which the art, history and architecture of ancient cultures can be understood and investigated is through what is left behind to be examined. Some of the most permanent artifacts that are available for examination are ancient tombs which have stood the test to time. From these tombs one can not only understand and form opinions of the architecture and historical context of the time, but the content of many tombs reveals a plethora of information and insight into the culture being studied. Many experts concur with this view and emphasize the archelogivla significance of ancient tombs, monuments and burial sites."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of Arnold's Hellenism and Hebraism whereby the two philosophies are compared. The author concludes that it is equally important to strive to know beauty (Hellenism) as to endeavor to be virtuous and moral (Hebraism), as long as one can achieve a balance of the two.
From the Paper "Lifestyles in England during the reign of Queen Victoria exhibited conflicting philosophical viewpoints. The success of imperialism had contributed to the wealth, decadence, and frivolity of many upper class citizens. This lifestyle exhibited an excess of what Matthew Arnold, in his book Culture and Anarchy, terms Hellenism. Yet there were also those who condemned this existence based on sensuality and aesthetics, going so far as to say that any entertainment was sinful. These people proposed that the ultimate ideal is a life spent solely in pursuit of piety and righteousness. This belief, most apparent in the Puritan doctrine, is what Arnold calls Hebraism."
Abstract This paper discusses the way that tomb construction developed and changed in Egypt. The paper looks at three periods - The Old Kingdom (c2780-2260 BC); Middle Kingdom (c1997 -1650 BC) and New Kingdom (1552-1069 BC) - in order to compare the methods.
From the Paper "Because of the incredible power and authority of the king at this time, his tomb was designed to exemplify his grandeur as well as serve as the final resting-place for his body and earthly possessions. In addition, the tomb complex was also the focal point of the king's cult for ritual prayer and for worship. Unfortunately, the roles of the king's tomb proved to nullify each other; the builders tried to "hide" the king's body and possessions while at the same time allowing the public in to worship him at the same time. As a result, the whereabouts of the king's treasure were common knowledge and over time each of these tombs was stripped of everything of value, not excluding the king's corpse itself? "
Abstract This paper discusses two studies of Michelangelo's Magnifici Tomb in the Medici Chapel towards complementary, as opposed to different, conclusions. The studies reviewed are Andrew Morrogh's "The Magnifici Tomb - a Key Project in Michelangelo's Architectural
Career" and Estelle Lingo's "The Evolution of Michelangelo's Magnifici Tomb - Program versus Process in the Iconography of the Medici Chapel".
The paper relates that both studies are authoritative and careful contributions to the study of the Medici Chapel, the tomb in question and the career of Michelangelo. The paper also asserts that their different vantage points on the Magnifici Tomb help along what should be a broad approach to any artifact or installation, investigating origins, features and salient details in relation to context, remembering that there shall forever be different opinions which can be powerful guides towards personal appreciation and further study.
Outline:
Introduction
Andrew Morrogh - The Magnifici Tomb as a Key Project.
Estelle Lingo - Program versus Process and Iconography
Discussion
From the Paper "The errors made by Michelangelo included the level at which the viewer examined them, the focal point of three statues too low, a statue of the Madonna, on the other hand, requiring a higher viewing point. (p.594) As Morrogh concluded, imperfections and all, Michelangelo had been able to exercise considerable license in what he designed so tentatively and in its results, thanks to the nature of his patron. Michelangelo had mixed opinions concerning the tradition of classicism that would have satisfied many sculptors of his day, but his results were not just innovative but 'difficult' as Morrogh comments, still apt to draw mixed reviews from those examining the Magnifici Tomb in the present. From this article, the reader obtains much detail and most readers will enjoy the illustrations of very different drawings to which Morrogh refers, a familiar aspect of the Medici Chapel revealed to have been a much changing or even piecemeal affairs thanks to the patronage of Pope Clement who seems to have recognized Michelangelo's originality and given it free reign. One leaves this article with the impression of having enjoyed a 'solid' few pages of scholarship, the author plainly knowing far more on Italian Renaissance design and architecture of which this article indicates one quite small topic."
Tags: installation, origins, features, details, guide, history
Abstract This paper discusses the Islamic response to Hellenic philosophy, with special attention to the work of al-Kindi and his circle. The paper also considers al-Ghazali and ibn Rushd (Averroes), as well as comments on Islamic science.
From the Paper "When Arab Muslims initially spread out across the vast territories that had formerly been ruled by the declining Byzantine and Sassanian empires, they found..."
Abstract This paper discusses how in his poetry and prose, the Victorian essayist and author Matthew Arnold frequently makes use of binaries, or the classical rhetorical style of constructing a series of two contrasting or opposing ideas, to illustrate the speaker's main point. The paper then reviews Arnold's essay on modern religion, which is based upon the contrasts of Hebraism and Hellenism.
From the Paper "The idea that Judaism is rigidly tied to the adherence to the law, sadly, can also be implicitly, if not explicitly connected to the Hebraic refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. Not only does Arnold's analysis of the Hebraic impulse towards the truth sound reductive regarding Jewish culture but Stephen Prickett suggests that by creating such a binary opposition of the Hebraic and the Hellenic, Arnold attempts to filter out what he disliked in the Christian religion by creating the false binary of Hebraism, even while both the Greek and Hebraic ancient cultures were considerably more complex than Arnold's reading: "At the heart of Matthew Arnold's writings, whether literary, sociological, historical, or biblical, was the attempt to create an enlightened and forward-looking religion. For him this meant a Christianity that was 'scientific,' 'non-Semitic,' Indo-European, and Aryan in quality," that is, in Arnold's own words, containing "more of Plato and Socrates than Joshua and David." (Pickett, 2001; Arnold 1869)"
Abstract The paper offers the historical background to Hellenization, including the influences of the early Greek colonies on the Italian peninsula, the Greek slaves captured during the Punic Wars, and finally the Roman colonization of Greece. Then the paper looks at the emergence of Latin literature in the aftermath of the Roman invasion and how it imitates Greek models. The paper provides an in-depth examination of the plays of Plautus and how they lay the foundations for a new and democratic art form. Plautus' plays are then contrasted to those of Terence.
From the Paper "Rome may have conquered and colonized Greece, but in terms of culture it was the Greeks who conquered Rome, especially so in the intellectual and artistic sphere. Before coming in contact with Greece there was hardly a literature that could be called Roman. Even after the initial exposure there was little tendency of Romans to emulate the Greeks in the practice of letters. The Greeks had colonial outposts on the Italian peninsula as far back as the 6th century BC, from which point the Greek influence must be reckoned. Yet it is only in the third century BC that we notice a presence of Latin literature. In religion and political institutions the Greek influence was felt far earlier. A century after Solon was being elected arch-archon of Athens democracy and republicanism came to Rome. Institutions emerged that began to ape those found in Athens and the Greek polis - the city state."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed account of how Judaism interacted with the Greco-Roman socio-religious milieu after Alexander the Great's conquest of Judea in the third BCE. It discusses Hellenism and its effect on Judaism, more specifically, the creation of Jewish sectarianism in the form of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. It explores the nature of these separate sects and the ways in which Jewish lore and culture were affected and interpreted anew through such changes. The Maccabean revolt is mentioned, as are several other primary-sourced events that can be seen to have directly affected the theocratic nature of Judea. It also examines how the admission that, although Hellenization affected Judaism and changed it beyond all hope for original reclamation, without sectarianism and the Hellenization of Judaism, Jewish culture would not be in existence today.
From the Paper "Another cultural influence to affect Judaism as a result of its encounter with Hellenism is reflected in the material culture of the time. Three of the four apocrypha books of Maccabees mention, in negative terms, the erection of a gymnasium in Jerusalem , a Greek centre for exercise, conversation and discussion. The erection of such a building was viewed differently throughout the Jewish community, but many felt that it indeed threatened Judaism; the idea of embracing Greek culture to such an extent entailed for them the idea of abandoning the holy covenant. The adoption of Hellenistic values was therefore seen as a having a destructive and threatening effect on Judaism by even the Jews themselves during these times."
Abstract The Hellenistic period started after Alexander, and it influences even our era. Slavery existed in both periods but there was more emphasis on religion in the Hellenic era. The Hellenic era witnessed democracy and the existence of city-states. The Hellenistic era was governed by monarchies. Materialism became widespread in this time that also marked the demise of truly creative philosophy.
Abstract This essay explores the sectarian nature of Judaism, as developing from the Hellenization of Judea around 333 BCE and extending up until the time of Jesus. The socio-religious and political nature of the country is examined in detail, with thorough reference to Greco-Roman and Jewish primary sources. How the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes came to be separate and equally influential Jewish sects is discussed, as well as the eventual downfall of sectarianism and the historical basis of why we now talk of a singular 'Judaism'.
From the Paper "Judaea was a site of great social and political turmoil at the turn of the era and it's national religion, Judaism, reflected this unrest. Jewish sectarianism as a historical fact cannot be denied, but is it reasonable and accurate to describe Jewish membership as solely sectarian during this time? An examination of both the development of Judaea's social and political environment, and the plurality of Jewish philosophies that existed in this milieu, will aid in an assessment of Jewish religious life under Roman rule at the turn of the era."
Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of Greek statues over the centuries. It presents an overview of Greek statuary, focusing on the Archaic period and the High Hellenic period. The paper specifically focuses on and compares the kouros of the Archaic period and the depiction of Demosthenes from the High Hellenic period in order to understand how the changes came about.
Table of Contents:
Overview
The Archaic Period: the Kouros
The High Hellenistic Period: Demosthenes
Comparing Statues
Conclusion
From the Paper "The kouros was never intended to represent a single individual. Instead, such statues were intended to represent a group of people, being that of idealized male youths at the height of their sexually attractive state. However, the statue of Demosthenes is clearly a representation of a single individual. It does not merely represent a group of people, being an idealized representation of the group "philosopher." Rather, the statue of Demosthenes is what Pedley calls a "psychological portrait" (352) of a living being, unlike the ambiguous kouros who exists suspended outside of time."
Abstract This paper is primarily a biographical report of Michelangelo's almost 90-year-long life from his grim childhood to the early influence of the Medici family to his commission to sculpt the "David" and paint the Sistine Chapel. Also included are photos of his sculptures "Bacchus", "Pieta", "David", "Rondanini Pieta" and his paintings on The Sistine Chapel.
I.Introduction
II.Body
A.Michelangelo's Early Life
B.Bacchus and Pieta
C.David
D.The Sistine Chapel Ceiling
E.The Tomb of Julius II
F.The Medici Tombs G.The Last Judgment
H.Michelangelo's Final Years
III.Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the greatest artists of all time, a man whose name has become synonymous with the word "masterpiece", is Michelangelo Buonarroti. As an artist he was nearly unmatched; the creator of works of true beauty that express the full extent of the human condition. Yet, in a world where art flourished only with patronage, Michelangelo was caught between the conflicting powers and whims of the Medici family in Florence, and the Papacy in Rome. Unlike many artists of his time, his genius was recognized, but at a seemingly great cost to his personal life."
Tags: 14th, artist, bacchus, ceiling, century, chapel, david, judgment, julius, last, medici, renaissance, sculpture, sistine, tomb, tombs, pieta
Abstract Looks at the use of the tomb image to evoke and perpetrate revenge in the play, "Titus Andronicus". The paper touches on each of the main characters and their actions, as well as the importance of the tomb in Roman culture. Discusses the character of Tamora, her motivations for revenge, and why the revenge is carried out in the way that it is.
From the Paper "In William Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus the prominence of the tomb is an image which provides the backbone of circumstance to this revenge tragedy. The Andronicus family tomb and the pit represent death in contrast; traditional against unhallowed resting places, both which nonetheless become places of humiliation and revenge. The body plays the part of tomb as a forced return to the origins of life. Roman religion also conjures scenes of resting places in the many allusions to Hades or Hell and the river Styx."
Abstract This paper examines Greek poetry and how we can learn about Greek society. It analyzes and details the Odysseus, the Iliad, and more. It discusses the morals of Greek society, their ideals, their lifestyles, their literary style and more. This paper examines is an in-depth analysis of Hellenic society using some of their most famous works to detail it.
From the Paper "While today we primarily read the works of Homer for the eloquence and literary skill of this great Greek poet, we may also examine his texts for the clues that they provide to a deeper understanding of Greek society. For we must recognize that every text is both a product of the time and place in which it was created as well as a portal to that place, a means of transport to a world marked by its particular set of values and visions. Both the Iliad and the Odyssey were recognized by the Greeks themselves not only as great epics, marked by a superb literary style, but also as something far more than merely engaging tales. The stories were for the ancient Greeks themselves a venerable source of lessons about morality, about the nature of heroism and about the proper ways in which a society should be structured. Given the value that the Greeks placed on these stories as exemplars of the values of Hellenic society, we can do the same by looking to the texts to help us understand how the Greeks understood their world."
Abstract The Greeks honored the gods through sculptures. This paper examines the triumphs and advances of Classical Greek sculpture during the different periods in Greek history.
Outline
Introduction to Classical Greek Sculpture in Historical Perspective
Transition from Archaic Period to Early Classical (ca. 480 BCE) favoring Contrapposto over Koroi.
High Classical Period (450-430 BCE) Symbolized by Athenian Acropolis.
Late Classical Period (430-323 BCE), between Peloponnesian War and the Death of Alexander the Great,
Conclusion: Hellenism Marked by Influence of Alexander the Great's Travels.
From the Paper "Rigid kouroi and kourai softened into the marble marvels of the works of Phidias and Polycletius. The pursuit of perfection was itself honed like the artists? bronze and stone palettes as larger-than-life statues graced majestic monuments and temples. Increasingly realistic bodies, viewable from all possible angles, epitomize Classical Greek sculpture. The Archaic period preceding it demonstrated the Greek values of perfection and symmetry; these qualities were held under scrutiny during the following centuries. Close scrutiny of the human form in action and as a stationary body yielded tremendous improvements in the effectiveness and accessibility of sculpture during the Classical Age of Greece. "
