Greek and Roman Sculpture Are Essay

"...the moment captured in the statue is an example of rhythmos, harmony and balance" (Encyclopedia: Discobolos)

The Dying Gaul, sometimes known as the Dying Trumpeter, is a "...ancient Greek statue of a dying warrior lying on the ground supporting himself with one arm. The Romans later made a marble copy of the Greek original." (Dying Gaul) This sculpture is well-known as one of the most poignant classical expression in sculpture of death and dying. "After 50 years of desperate and unceasing battle, victory over the Gauls was commemorated by this gravely realistic depiction of a tragic hero. With classic details revealing the Greeks' admiration for strength and bravery" (Dying Gaul Sculpture) the Greek emphasis on form and the esthetic representation of the human are also clearly evident here.

Studies of Greek and Roman art tend to emphasize similarities as well as differences in this various sculptures and other artworks. What is often stressed is how the cultural and social values and norms of the culture are echoed in the works of art. As one commentator notes, we can discern the different cultural aspect from the art that was produced during a certain period.The primary objective of Greek art was to explore the order of nature and to convey philosophical thought, while Roman art was used primarily as a medium to project the authority and importance of the current ruler and the greatness of his empire.

Roman Art vs. Greek Art)

The examples discussed above tend to show the truth of this distinction between Roman and Greek art.

References

Dying Gaul. Retrieved November 7, 2008 at http://eastlrc.valencia.cc.fl.us/askthematador/researchguides/Dying%20Gaul.htm

Dying Gaul Sculpture. Retrieved November 7, 2008 at http://www.designtoscano.com/product/indoor+statues/classic+statues/greek+and+roman+statues/dying+gaul+sculpture+-+pd1948.do

Encyclopedia: Discobolos. Retrieved November 7, 2008 at http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Discobolos

Roman Art vs. Greek Art. Retrieved November 7, 2008 at http://www.essays.cc/free_essays/a4/cng289.shtml

Sculptural portrait of Philip the Arab. Retrieved November 7, 2008 at http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/03/hm3_1_3b.html.....