Digital Field Trip Reflection – Ancient Greece at the Met

Viewing the remnants of ancient Greek architecture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York leaves one in awe at how humanity in eons past could execute humongous marvel with very little aid of the technological advances witnessed today (Hemingway, 2003).

The workmanship exhibited in the construction of the “Marble column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis” is indicative of the excellence, precision, and distinctive work ethic that progressively encouraged and nurtured creativity (Hemingway, 2003). Indeed, the particular stone column under discussion in one of many the formed numerous other architectural masterpieces in different localities in the now lost society. Though built with functionality in mind, the overall product boasts of a rich aesthetic implying that the god worshipped at the time were very revered. Spirituality must have been a principle driver defining the moral and ethical standpoints of this particular populace.

According to Hemingway (2003), this specific work of solid stone is a segment of a fluted Ionic column. It is believed to have originally stood at about 58 feet high at the Temple of Artemis. Though smaller than other columns forming the structural foundations of the shrine, it was delicately carved out to conform to the gentle forms consistent with floral plants. This is symbolic of the fact that the Greek civilization gained a lot of artistic inspiration from the flora and fauna existing in the environments around them.

The fluted Ionic column patterned carves are distinctive from others found on the temple site. It has a foliate base with elaborate leafy motif carvings complements its shorter dimensions in comparison with other capitals (Hemingway, 2003). This implies that it had a more exquisite structural and aesthetic function in comparison to the other columns. Referred to as the Ionic order of architecture, the distinctive standing structure has two volutes sitting on top of palm leaf like ornaments. They were commonly used in Asia Minor and the Greek Islands (Hemingway, 2003). These structures seem a progressive phase in human development in comparison to the largely plain columns of the Doric order of architecture.

The sizes common with ancient Greek architecture indicate that this was a society that worked with unison towards the achievement of a common endeavor. Quarrying, sculpturing, transportation, and eventual erection of capitals of the Doric and Ionic capital was highly labor intensive as well as time consuming (Hemingway, 2003). Regardless of such challenges, the attention to detail remains unrivalled today. Influences on modern architecture are evident across major political centers in Europe and North America. Though the Greek builders were able to perfect and continuously refine the application of columns in accentuating the majesty of its temples, the same has not been achieved within modern society. For instance, America’s White House serves as a very critical administrative center not only for the U.S. but for numerous facets of global society too.

However, the columns used in the setting up of the White House do not exhibit such opulence (https://greekarchitecturetoday.weebly.com/the-white-house.html). Constructed during the early 19^th Century when there was a great revival of ancient Greek architecture, the skill sets, work ethic, and inclination to creativity was of lower cadre considered to those seen on the remaining elements of ancient Greek society. On the other hand, Capitol Hill exudes the architectural splendor that must have been common place in Ancient Greece (https://www.aoc.gov/capitol-hill/architecture-styles/neoclassical-architecture-capitol-hill).

Reference

Hemingway, C. (2003). Architecture in Ancient Greece. In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved on 14 Jan, 2018 from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/grarc/hd_grarc.htm