01:082:105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Praxiteles, Roman Mosaic, Darius Iii
Document Summary
Historical context: 30 years of warfare (peloponnesian wars) between athens and rival greek city-states ends in defeat of athens to sparta in 404 bce. For athens, this is a period of anxiety and self-questioning. Rise to power of alexander the great, king of macedonia, who creates a vast empire. Note that alexander was educated in athens by the greek philosopher aristotle. Aphrodite of knidos, roman marble copy of a greek original of ca. 340-330 bce by praxiteles, 6"8 , for temple of aphrodite. There is debate as to whether the original was bronze or marble . Softening led to a more humanized figure. If bronze, eyes would have been inlaid with glass. Associated with alexander the great: hero in lifetime and in death, created vast empire in only 10 years, son of phillip of macedonia, phillip of macedonia took over sparta, alexander was sent to athens. Becomes military leader at age of 23. He dies at 33 because of fatigue.