ARTH 466 - Hellenistic Sculpture and the Beginning of Art History

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Art History

Description:

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.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

ArtH 101-102

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Seminar

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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