During the classical period, the fact that the Romans were dominating proved to be very influential in art and architecture. The philosophies of naturalism and idealism shaped the culture and all aspects of life in this period. From an intellectual point of view, there emerged the need to articulate the innovation and creativity of the experience in the new world.
The Greeks came up with various arts in a desire to fulfill their curiosity. Politically the war between the Greek city-states and Persia contributed significantly to the development of architecture as the Greeks focused on the reconstruction of the defensive wall and other architectural structures. A good example of Hellenistic art was the Pergamon which underwent a transformation from a simple structure into a group of buildings as a result of contributions from a number of kings.
The conquest by Alexander the Great also contributed to the change of culture and the adoption of new forms of art. This man helped Greek to push its arts and culture to greater heights. There were Mosaic paintings about Alexander the Great. They showed the struggle and confrontational tactics of the young and energetic conqueror and Darius III the grand king. Apart from depicting the might in this man, this art was significant in reflecting how art had become a real thing to symbolize society’s ideals.
Art changed in the Hellenistic age as those in power used imagery to demonstrate their authority and articulate their rule. Rich aristocrats used artists to create better works of art to outdo their rivals and maintain supremacy. The artists created monuments for such rulers portraying men and women with their musculature. Such is an indication of how society was evolving from naturalism to a more realistic world.
Those in authority for instance used sculptures in Rome as tools for spreading propaganda, which led to the popularization of certain ideologies. In the Hellenistic age, philosophy became a very serious issue with people like Plato articulating their belief in idealism. From such philosophies, various forms of art were crafted to send the message right to the people. Religious practices in this period aimed at focusing on an individual’s relationship with God.
Socially art was used as a means of airing grievances to those who are in authority. Because of the fear, the people had towards the rulers’ art was a better way of showing their suffering for instance there was a sculpture Barberini Faun of Munich, which represented a sleeping satyr. The message from such a piece of art was therefore sent out very clearly to those in authority.
Therefore, from the above-highlighted examples, it comes out clear that during the Hellenistic period, there is a shift from the natural world of art into a more real-world one the depicted the way of life of the Greeks. This shift in ideology can be attributed to the contribution of philosophers who began to influence the artists in their works and hence leading to the manifestation of philosophy in art.