Glossary
Amphora—a large Greek vase with two handles used for holding wine, water, or provisions such as olive oil and grain. Am means two or both handles, and phora means to carry.
Archaic—term used to identify the characteristics of early Greek sculpture (from approximately 700 B.C. to 550 B.C.) including column-like figures, stiff frontal poses with arms close to the body, and a stylized smile known as the “Archaic” smile.
Classical—term used to identify Greek art from approximately 550 B.C. to 300 B.C. Sculptural characteristics include a more life-like body, more natural form with movement, calmness, idealized beauty, and the appearance of the contrapposto pose.
Contrapposto—a balanced but asymmetrical stance in which the figure is positioned with most of its weight on one leg.
Figurative—imagery in painting, drawing, and sculpture that represents the human form.
Hellenistic—term used to identify the final phase of Greek art, from approximately 300 B.C. to 150 B.C. Sculptural characteristics include realism, greater dramatic action and movement, and the portrayal of emotions and psychological states.
Idealized—a standard of perfection often absent in nature.
Krater—A large, wide-mouthed Greek vase with opposite handles used for mixing wine with water, a favorite beverage of the Greeks.
Myths— stories about Greek gods and goddesses that explains and teaches about events, beliefs, and natural phenomena.
Proportion—in any composition, the mathematical relationship of the parts to each other and to the whole. For example, the relation of the head to the body, etc.
Symmetry—an exact, balanced arrangement of forms on either side of a central axis, one side of which mirrors the other.