The sculpture of Hermes carrying the infant Dionysos was a very interesting work of art to look at and analyze. I have viewed this sculpture by means of slides on a flat surface, but after seeing the actual sculpture, I was amazed. When I first approached it, its size was shocking. I was unaware that this figure stood so tall. Hermes and Dionysos together

Praxiteles, the sculptor of Hermes carrying the infant Dionysos, was one of the greatest artists during this period, what people called “The Great Age”. Praxiteles was Athenian, and a leader of The Great Age. He is also the only artist from who we still have original work. Praxiteles’ style has many traits. His sculptures are often youthful, graceful and beautiful. The eyes of sculptures often have a “dreamy” look to them, high, curving skulls, flat cheeks, long, narrow eyes, a delicate mouth, smooth flesh, and rough hair.

Form is the third component. The body of Hermes has very subtle form because of how painterly the line is. Form is only direct in the drapery, which has a three-dimensional effect. As for figural style, Hermes’ body is anatomically correct, proportionate and muscular. The only thing that does not seem proportionate is Hermes’ body as opposed to Dionysos. The texture of this sculpture is smooth except for the few sporadic chips, and there is no color, only the use of shadow.

During the time that this sculpture was created, a lot had been going on in Greece. There was a big fear of tyranny, and the statues being created were simply claims of superiority and high status. The people became worried about how these powerful individuals would relate with society. Several Persian defeats had just occurred and Alexander the Great had defeated the Persian Empire. Many wars were occurring at this time, between Athens and Sparta during the end of the fifth century, and many during the first half of the fourth century. Art and culture was not seen as very important, just as a way to dominate others. Now at the start of the fourth century, people were living for themselves and no longer for the state.

Another artist during the classical period, Scopas, sculpted something much different than that of Hermes carrying the infant Dionysos. The head that Scopas sculpted from The Temple of Athena Alea at Tegea has a feeling of stress and violent emotion, rather than relaxed emotion. The eyes are round and wide open; there is an upward gaze, an open mouth, and small nostrils. This just shows us how different sculptors’ techniques were during the same period of time.

Some topics in this essay:
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