12 Facts About Hellenistic art

Term Hellenistic art refers to the expansion of Greek influence and dissemination of its ideas following the death of Alexander – the "Hellenizing" of the world, with Koine Greek as a common language.

One of the defining characteristics of the Hellenistic art period was the division of Alexander's empire into smaller dynastic empires founded by the diadochi: the Ptolemies in Egypt, the Seleucids in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Syria, the Attalids in Pergamon, etc.

The Hellenistic art monarchies were advantaged in this regard in that they often had vast spaces where they could build large cities: such as Antioch, Pergamon, and Seleucia on the Tigris.

New Hellenistic art cities were springing up all over Egypt, Syria, and Anatolia, which required statues depicting the gods and heroes of Greece for their temples and public places.

The concept of a Hellenistic art "Rococo" was coined by Wilhelm Klein in the early 20th century.

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Landscapes in these works of Hellenistic art are representative of familiar naturalistic figures while displaying mythological and sacro-idyllic elements.

These landscapes that expressed the stories of Hellenistic art writers were utilized in the home to emphasize that family's education and knowledge about the literary world.

Three main qualities unique to Hellenistic art painting style were three-dimensional perspective, the use of light and shade to render form, and trompe-l'œil realism.

Development of mosaic art during the Hellenistic Period began with Pebble Mosaics, best represented in the site of Olynthos from 5th century BC.

The Hellenistic art period produced some masterpieces like the Gonzaga cameo, now in the Hermitage Museum, and spectacular hardstone carvings like the Cup of the Ptolemies in Paris.

Roman copy of an original Hellenistic art bust depicting Seleucus I Nicator, found in Herculaneum, Italy.

Roman copy of a lost Hellenistic art original depicting Homer, from Baiae, Italy, British Museum.