ORIENTALIZING PERIOD Meaning and
Definition
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The Orientalizing period refers to a specific phase in ancient art and culture that occurred in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, primarily in Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean region. This period is characterized by a strong influence of Eastern or Oriental cultures on the artistic style and motifs adapted by various Greek city-states.
During the Orientalizing period, elements of Near Eastern and Egyptian aesthetics began to spread throughout the Mediterranean, particularly through trade and contact with Assyria, Phoenicia, and Egypt. The Greek city-states, especially Corinth and Athens, embraced and incorporated these foreign artistic elements into their own styles. As a result, artworks from this period showcase motifs such as animal and floral designs, sphinxes, lions, and oriental-inspired mythology.
The Orientalizing period marked a significant departure from the earlier Geometric period, characterized by geometric patterns and abstract representations. The new artistic style embraced more lifelike and intricate depictions, including human and animal forms, with a focus on movement and detail.
This period also saw an increase in cultural exchange and the introduction of new materials and techniques. Greek artisans began using imported luxury goods and precious materials such as bronze, ivory, and faience, allowing for greater intricacy and finesse in their artwork.
Overall, the Orientalizing period was a transformative period in the ancient world, facilitating the exchange of ideas, materials, and artistic styles between Eastern and Greek cultures, and setting the stage for subsequent cultural, artistic, and technological developments in the Mediterranean region.
Etymology of ORIENTALIZING PERIOD
The term "orientalizing period" refers to a specific period in ancient Greek art and archaeology. It emerged in the field of classical studies to describe a period of artistic and cultural influence from the East, particularly from the Ancient Near East and Egypt, on the Greek world in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE.
The word "orientalizing" itself comes from the word "oriental", which historically refers to the East or Eastern countries, particularly those in Asia. The term gained prominence during the colonial era when European powers had extensive contact and trade with countries in Asia. It carries connotations of exoticism and foreignness.
In the context of the "orientalizing period" in ancient Greek art, this term was coined to refer to a specific phase characterized by the adoption and adaptation of eastern artistic styles, motifs, and iconography by the ancient Greeks.
