Death Of Sarpedon: An Analysis

I believe that the meaning of the word art is an expression of feelings or ideas through different mediums. Throughout history I don't believe that this definition has changed but the different mediums have. As society has grown, we humans have modified our way of expressing our feelings through our advanced technology. The influence that I had that helped me discover this definition was my experiences through my art classes. As I produced many different art projects I felt that these different mediums of art helped me convey how I felt at the time. The purpose of art depends on what that artists feels he/she must express or imply in order for the observer to understand. Sometimes the observer doesn't have to understand the expression, but …show more content…
This artifact was probably created somewhere in Greece by a famous painter and potter at the time. This is known due to the fact that many artists back then could have signed or even documented the artwork they created. This pot was probably used for drinking wine or water but has a depiction of a major historical event. This event shows a group of men who may have been warriors, from their armor and weapons, carrying an injured man. The detail of the men shows us that this was a serious and major event that had to be presented to the observers. The story that is depicted on this vase explains the death of a man or god named Sarpedon and why his death was so tragic. On the top and bottom of the picture are floral decorations which are also carved into the pottery for esthetic reasons. The man in the middle is depicted as Hermes from his staff to his winged heels. Hermes in Greek mythology was seen as the guide to the underworld which would explain the condition that Sarpedon is in during the time of the …show more content…
With this event a person can feel upset over the death of Sarpedon or even happiness from the greatness and bravery that this individual showed for his people. The Greeks used stories of the gods to explain or help understand how the world worked around them. In the case of Sarpedon, it could have told how Greece became victorious at the price of this brave man's life. This story could give rulers and soldiers hope as well as bravery for later fights just from this artwork. Like other artworks it shows feelings whether it be good or bad but the emotion that is taken from this piece is determined by the observer. The main purpose of this artwork was to inform their observer of the past and how it explains the future. With this purpose, the artifact supports the position that it doesn't matter what medium or expression is shown all the matters is what feelings the art brings to the creator as well as the