Art History - Greek - Terms/glossary

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Doric

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One of the two systems (or orders) invented in Ancient Greek for articulating the three units of the elevation of a classical building - the platform, the colonnade, and the superstructure (entablature). The Doric order is characterized by, among other features, capitals with funnel-shaped echinuses, columns without bases and a frieze of triglyphs and metopes.

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Ionic

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One of the two systems (or orders) invented in ancient Greece for articulating the three units of the elevation of a classical building: the platform, the colonnade, and the superstructure (entablature).
The Ionic order is characterized by, among other features, volutes, capitals, columns with bases and uninterrupted frieze.

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capital

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The uppermost member of a column, serving as a transition from the shaft to the lintel.
In classical architecture, the form of the capital varies with the order.

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frieze

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The part of the entablature between the architrave and the cornice:
also, any sculpted or painted band in a building. See register

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pediment

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In classical architecture, the triangular space (gable) at the end of a building, formed by the ends of the sloping roof above the colonnade:
also, an ornamental feature having this shape

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triglyph

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A triple projecting, grooved member of a Doric frieze that alternates with metopes

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metope

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The square panel between the triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often sculpted in relief

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stylobate

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the uppermost course of the platform of a classical Greek temple, which supports the columns.

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volute

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A spiral scoll-like form characteristic of the ancient Greek Ionic and the Roman Composite capital

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kouros

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pl. kouroi
Greek, "young man"
An Archaic Greek statue of a young man

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kore

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pl. korai
Greek "young woman"
An Archaic Greek statue of a young woman

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peplos

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A simple, long belted garment of wool worn by women in Ancient Greece

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Archaic Smile

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The smile that appears on all Archaik Greek statues from about 570 to 480 BCE.
The smile is the Archaic sculptor's way of indicating that the person portrayed is alive.

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caryatid

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A female figure that functions as a supporting column

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contrapposto

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The disposition of the human figure in which one part is turned in opposition to another part (usually hips and legs one way, shoulders and chest another), creating a counterpositioning of the body about its central axis. Sometimes called "weight shift" because the weight of the body tends to be thrown to one foot, creating tension on one side and relaxation on the other.

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torque

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the distinctive necklace worn by the Gauls

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acropolis

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Greek, "high city"
In ancient Greece, usually the site of the city's most important temple(s)

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agora

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An open square or space used for public meetings or business in ancient Greek cities