Sculpture and framework

Greek sculptors made statues and carvings for temples, tombs and monuments. The most common subjects were gods, goddesses and heroes. Statues were made from a variety of materials, including marble, limestone, bronze, wood, terracotta, ivory and gold. Most of the surviving statues were made of stone. Many bronze statues were melted down and the metal reused.

Archaic Period Statues from the Archaic Period look stiff and formal. They were based on Egyptian and eastern styles. The statues are of three main types: The seated figure, the kouros (standing youth) and the kore (standing girl)

Classical Period

By Classical Times, the Greeks had learned how to portray the human body in a completely life-like way. Skilled portraits of important people began to be made as well as sculptures showing scenes and actions. Faces in the scenes often showed expression and emotion, although the ones in portraits were always calm and composed. Clothes and drapes were sculpted with graceful, natural folds.

Hellenistic Period

By the Hellenistic Period, a much wider range of subjects was chosen. Outstanding portraits were produced and children, foreigners, old age and suffering were depicted in a realistic way.

Terracottas

Terracottas are small statues made of baked clay. The early ones were made individually, but later some were made in moulds. Terracottas were brightly painted and were usually made as offerings to the gods of the dead. Their style was ranging from the early, rather stiff looking figures, to the later ones, some of which show everyday scenes.

Metalwork

Gold, silver, bronze and iron were used to make a wide range of tableware, jewellery, weapons and other objects. Goods made by Greek craftsmen were in great demand abroad, and have been found by archaeologists all over Europe, South Russia and in the Near and Middle East.