NOTHING IS ORIGINAL ANYMORE IN ART HISTORY
“Good artists copy, great artists steal” - Pablo Picasso
There is nothing TRULY original anymore because someone, somewhere at a point in time has already done it. Artists strive to be original and unique but ironically nothing we do emerges from a place of originality. Throughout art history artists have always portrayed the beauty standards of society. Looking through these depictions demonstrates that the same ideas and styles can reemerge regardless of time and context.
MALE BEAUTY STANDARDS:
Idealised male form and proportion: In Ancient Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Contemporary periods there is an emphasis on the idealised male form and proportion. This can be seen in the muscular perfection of Doryphoros, the anatomical precision of David, the athletic prowess of the Discobolus and the heroic depiction of Jason. Each sculpture showcases the expectations of the ideal male form and proportion and reflects the beauty standards placed on men.
Symmetry and Proportion: All these sculptures adhere to principles of symmetry and proportion, as these features were valued profoundly by various historical periods and cultures in art history. Perfect symmetry and proportion in the human form create balanced composition and harmonious proportions which contribute to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the sculptures.
Physical Strength and Athleticism: The recurring theme in these sculptures is physical strength and athleticism. For example, the muscular athleticism of Doryphoros and Discobolus and the heroic strength of Jason portray physical strength and athleticism and emphasise the ideal beauty standards for man.
Technique and Mastery: All the sculptures demonstrate high levels of technical skill and mastery with intricate details, precision and accuracy.
Mythological and Historical Subject: These sculptures draw inspiration from mythology or history. Doryphoros is represented as a warrior, Discobolus is depicted as a discus thrower, David is a biblical figure, Jason is a hero from Greek mythology and even Atlas by Lorenzo Quinn draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
Classical Influence: In the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods, artists were inspired by the art and ideas of Ancient Greece and Rome. This inspiration is evident in the similar use of classical techniques, subjects, and aesthetics seen within these sculptures.
FEMALE BEAUTY STANDARDS:
Feminine Idealisation: In each of the artworks the female figure depicted embodies the idealised standards of beauty for their respective time periods. All these figures are depicted nude and include ideal beauty standards of smooth, pale skin, symmetrical facial features, and a proportionate body.
Youthfulness: Across the different depictions and styles there is a common theme through the emphasises of youthful beauty because all the figures are youthful and radiant. This demonstrates that a significant part of female beauty relates to purity and innocence.
Softness and Sensuality: All these figures are portrayed with soft, rounded forms and sensuous poses. This can be seen in the gentle curves of Venus in Botticelli's painting or the voluptuous figures in Rubens' work. These artworks celebrate the sensual appeal of the female form.
Symbolism of Beauty: Many of the artwork also carry symbolic meanings relating to beauty. For instance Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, is a recurring motif in several of the artworks, symbolising ideals of love, desire, and beauty itself. Another example is the symbolic representation of fertility in Venus of Willendorf, The birth of Venus and the toilet of Venus.
There is nothing TRULY original anymore because someone, somewhere at a point in time has already done it. Artists strive to be original and unique but ironically nothing we do emerges from a place of originality. Throughout art history artists have always portrayed the beauty standards of society. Looking through these depictions demonstrates that the same ideas and styles can reemerge regardless of time and context.
MALE BEAUTY STANDARDS:
Idealised male form and proportion: In Ancient Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Contemporary periods there is an emphasis on the idealised male form and proportion. This can be seen in the muscular perfection of Doryphoros, the anatomical precision of David, the athletic prowess of the Discobolus and the heroic depiction of Jason. Each sculpture showcases the expectations of the ideal male form and proportion and reflects the beauty standards placed on men.
Symmetry and Proportion: All these sculptures adhere to principles of symmetry and proportion, as these features were valued profoundly by various historical periods and cultures in art history. Perfect symmetry and proportion in the human form create balanced composition and harmonious proportions which contribute to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the sculptures.
Physical Strength and Athleticism: The recurring theme in these sculptures is physical strength and athleticism. For example, the muscular athleticism of Doryphoros and Discobolus and the heroic strength of Jason portray physical strength and athleticism and emphasise the ideal beauty standards for man.
Technique and Mastery: All the sculptures demonstrate high levels of technical skill and mastery with intricate details, precision and accuracy.
Mythological and Historical Subject: These sculptures draw inspiration from mythology or history. Doryphoros is represented as a warrior, Discobolus is depicted as a discus thrower, David is a biblical figure, Jason is a hero from Greek mythology and even Atlas by Lorenzo Quinn draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
Classical Influence: In the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods, artists were inspired by the art and ideas of Ancient Greece and Rome. This inspiration is evident in the similar use of classical techniques, subjects, and aesthetics seen within these sculptures.
FEMALE BEAUTY STANDARDS:
Feminine Idealisation: In each of the artworks the female figure depicted embodies the idealised standards of beauty for their respective time periods. All these figures are depicted nude and include ideal beauty standards of smooth, pale skin, symmetrical facial features, and a proportionate body.
Youthfulness: Across the different depictions and styles there is a common theme through the emphasises of youthful beauty because all the figures are youthful and radiant. This demonstrates that a significant part of female beauty relates to purity and innocence.
Softness and Sensuality: All these figures are portrayed with soft, rounded forms and sensuous poses. This can be seen in the gentle curves of Venus in Botticelli's painting or the voluptuous figures in Rubens' work. These artworks celebrate the sensual appeal of the female form.
Symbolism of Beauty: Many of the artwork also carry symbolic meanings relating to beauty. For instance Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, is a recurring motif in several of the artworks, symbolising ideals of love, desire, and beauty itself. Another example is the symbolic representation of fertility in Venus of Willendorf, The birth of Venus and the toilet of Venus.