Chapter 3. Classical Civilization- Greece

I find the influence of Greek culture on today's life very extraordinary. I was surprised to find out that most of what we know about classical civilization Greece has been investigated through the remains of their pottery. The images brought about on these works of art tell stories and resemble civilization during this time.


Classical Civilization amazes me most because of the massive structures that have been left behind, the Parthenon being one of them. I still do not believe that manpower alone had the ability to create something so beautiful, structurally sound, and symbolic just to show devotion to the gods. 

I ask myself questions that quite possibly will never be answered: how many individuals were involved in making such a thing? How did they all agree on a structure, plan and a space to create these temples? How long did it take to build? Were there rules within these temples and is this why these structures are still standing?  Was there ever remodeling?

I enjoy the study and evolution of the columns that are some of the main focus pieces of these structures and I'm sure if anything, ancient Greeks had to insure that theses were created very sturdy. Surprisingly, the decorative patterns, and detail in these classic orders has been adapted and incorporated even today. Below is an example of ionic classic orders framing the center of this beautiful master bath.





















Another very important aspect of the Greek culture is their art and sculptures. Fasinating enough, sculptures were incorporated in their architecture at the top of buildings known a the pediment. Below is an example of a pediment sculpture. These life size works of art really capture the detail of this era and represent scenes important during classical civilization in Greece.  I noticed that researchers can probably automatically tell when a sculpture was from a pediment due to the angular shape the piece as a whole creates and where it would be placed on the triangular top of a building.

 

  During this time, interior architecture was also evolving. A huge influence that has been brought over to modern design is the fret or key detailing. As seen in the picture to the right, the scroll in the ionic column is an example of this pattern, as well as two modern adaptations.

 

Hand Rendering