The Brochure Series of Architectural Illustration, Vol. 01, No. 08, August 1895

The Brochure Series of Architectural Illustration, Vol. 01, No. 08, August 1895 - Fragments of Greek Detail

At the close of the Persian wars the Athenians, under Pericles, began rebuilding their city and perfecting themselves in all the arts of civilization, and their progress in the next half century will always be a subject for wonder. It is especially wonderful that works of art of the character produced at this time should have been the outcome of political maneuvering: for if Plutarch is to be credited the scheming of Pericles to obtain and hold possession of the government of Athens was the immediate cause of the erection of these marvellous monuments. In order to increase his influence with the common people Pericles devoted the treasure which had been contributed by the other Greek cities for defence against the barbarians to the beautifying of Athens, and to furnishing them with games and amusements, and especially to the erection of the group of temples upon the Acropolis, in this way distributing patronage and keeping his people employed much as a modern political "boss" does the same in our day. The Parthenon, which is esteemed the grandest of all monuments of Greek art, embodying as it does the highest achievement in sculpture and architecture, was built just after the middle of the fifth century, although the precise date at which it was begun and finished is uncertain. The Erechtheion and Propyla were probably built a few years later, but their exact dates are also in doubt. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 19769
Author: Various
Release Date: Nov 12, 2006
Format: eBook
Language: English