The Real Greek Sculptures

Rachael Lofgran • January 13, 2023

Original Paint on Greek Sculptures

Marble and bronze sculpture is usually what comes to mind when we think about Greek art. The reason for this lies in the fact that works made from durable stone were among the only art that was able to stand the test of time. We are able to marvel at the sculptures, architecture, and vases we've been able to preserve, but the Greeks obviously practiced more forms of art than those made out of stone.

Greek artists also loved to paint! Greek paintings were typically created on wood panels or walls that were later destroyed by environmental factors.

What many don’t realize is that many of the spotless white, brown, and black sculptures were once painted in vibrant colors as well. We know through the use of modern technology that Greek sculptors used bright colors, ivory, and gold to add beauty to the shapes they brought to life.

A painting of a woman wearing a colorful helmet

NAMABG-Painted Greek Warrior Head. Reconstruction of polychromic decoration on the head of a Greek warrior from the Temple of Athena Aphaia to Aegina. Around 490 BC. AD Exhibition "Bunte Götter" in the version shown in Athens. Study: Vinzenz Brinkmann. Restoration of the marble copy: Gabriela Tobin. Painting: Sylvia Kellner. Original: Glyptothèque Munich. Link

How technology reveals long-lost colors on Greek sculpture

Despite years of environmental damage, tiny flecks of paint and other materials that are invisible to the naked eye can be detected on Greek sculptures using techniques like multifaceted imaging and x-ray fluorescence.

With the help of this technology, we are able to get further insight into the meanings of the artwork in its complete form, expanding our knowledge of Greek culture. We can notice and take meaning from patterns like gods and nobility depicted with blonde hair, warriors with brown hair and skin, and youthful women with white skin and makeup.

Greek sculptures were originally painted with a variety of pigments and minerals in order to create a vibrant and lifelike appearance. The Greeks used pigments derived from plants, minerals, and shells to create a range of colors. Red, yellow, brown, and black were the most commonly used colors.

These paints were applied in a variety of ways, from using a brush or sponge to using a metal tool. The paints used on Greek sculptures were often mixed with a variety of other materials, such as wax, pitch, or even a type of glue. This mixture would help the paint adhere to the sculpture and create a more durable finish. In addition, the Greeks often used a technique known as encaustic painting, which involved melting the pigments to create a more even and consistent coating.

The paints used by the Greeks were often brightly colored and often depicted the gods or goddesses of Greek mythology. For example, many sculptures depict the god Apollo with a bright yellow pigment, while the goddess Athena was often depicted with a bright blue pigment. In addition to this, many sculptures were also decorated with gold, silver, and bronze.

Greek sculptures were often decorated with intricate details and patterns, which were created by a technique known as "polychromy." This technique involved creating a range of colors by combining multiple pigments and minerals. Unfortunately, due to the passage of time, many of the paints used on Greek sculptures have faded or been lost. However, the few remaining examples of painted Greek sculptures provide a glimpse into the vibrant world of ancient Greek art.

Painted reconstructions of the sculptures from the West Pediment of the Temple of Aphaea on Aegina, original statues from Aegina (Greece), c. 500 490 BC or after 480 BC, Glyptothek Munich. Link

Restoration of original artwork through replicas

Thanks to the work of expert restorers, we can now enjoy the re-creation of Greek sculptures to reflect their original colorful paint. After drawing up a reliable blueprint of the original sculpture, restorers use special tools including high-intensity lamps, ultraviolet light, plaster casts, and powdered minerals to show us what the sculptor really had in mind for the finished product.

A statue of a man wearing a hat and a green robe

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Mythology and Classical Themes in Renaissance Art: Reviving Ancient Stories and Gods

By Rachael Lofgran • September 26, 2023

Mythology and classical themes played a significant role in Renaissance art, as artists of the time looked to ancient Greek and Roman stories, gods, and heroes for inspiration. The revival of these ancient narratives and their incorporation into artistic works became a prominent feature of Renaissance art, reflecting the period's fascination with the classical world and its ideals. During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the literature, philosophy, and art of ancient Greece and Rome. Artists and intellectuals sought to emulate the achievements of classical antiquity and viewed it as a golden age of knowledge and creativity. They believed that by studying and emulating the classical world, they could achieve similar greatness in their own time. Mythology, with its rich cast of gods, goddesses, heroes, and epic narratives, provided a vast pool of subject matter for Renaissance artists. They drew from ancient texts such as Ovid's "Metamorphoses," Virgil's "Aeneid," and Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" to explore and depict mythological stories and characters. Artists often infused their works with allegorical or symbolic meanings, using mythological figures to represent human virtues, vices, or ideals. For example, Venus, the goddess of love, might symbolize beauty or the transformative power of desire, while Hercules, known for his strength and heroism, could represent the virtues of bravery and moral fortitude. The incorporation of mythology and classical themes allowed artists to explore a wide range of subjects, from grand mythological narratives to intimate scenes of daily life. Mythological scenes provided artists with the opportunity to depict powerful emotions, dramatic conflicts, and supernatural elements, allowing for the expression of deep human emotions and psychological insights. In addition to mythology, Renaissance artists also depicted classical gods and goddesses in individual portraits or as part of larger compositions. They sought to capture the idealized beauty and grace associated with these divine beings, drawing inspiration from ancient sculptures and texts. These representations of gods and goddesses often conveyed a sense of divine presence and elevated the subject matter to a spiritual and transcendental level. The use of mythology and classical themes in Renaissance art was not limited to painting but also extended to sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts. Sculptors recreated mythological scenes in marble or bronze, while architects incorporated classical motifs and references into their buildings, such as columns, pediments, and friezes. The revival of mythology and classical themes in Renaissance art not only reflected the period's fascination with the ancient world but also served broader cultural and intellectual purposes. It provided artists with a rich visual vocabulary and a connection to the ideals of ancient civilization. It also allowed for the exploration of complex human emotions, moral dilemmas, and philosophical concepts, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the human condition. The incorporation of mythology and classical themes in Renaissance art played a vital role in the revival of ancient stories and gods. It allowed artists to connect with the greatness of classical antiquity, explore powerful narratives and emotions, and express complex ideas through visual representations. The use of mythology in Renaissance art contributed to the cultural and intellectual richness of the period, leaving a lasting impact on Western art and culture.