BUSTO DI ALESSANDRO MAGNO – ellenismo – Lisippo
25 Aprile 2013PERIODO CLASSICO – storia dell’arte
25 Aprile 2013Lysippos, one of the greatest Greek sculptors of the 4th century BCE, left an indelible mark on the collective imagination with his numerous depictions of Socrates. His sculptures helped establish a precise iconography of the philosopher, which has been reinterpreted over the centuries.
The Herm of Socrates
One of the most famous portraits of Socrates is the herm. This is a bust without arms, mounted on a pillar-shaped support. The Socrates herm attributed to Lysippos is characterized by extraordinary realism: the face is marked with wrinkles, the gaze is deep and thoughtful, and the beard is thick and untamed.
Socrates Herm by Lysippos (Capitoline Museums)
This representation contributed to the stereotypical image of the philosopher as a wise old man, introspective and detached from worldly affairs.
Characteristics of Lysippos’ Sculptures
Lysippos’ sculptures stand out for:
- Naturalism: Lysippos sought to depict reality more naturally and dynamically compared to his predecessors.
- Ideal Proportions: The artist introduced new proportions, making figures leaner and more elongated.
- Portraiture: Lysippos is regarded as the founder of psychological portraiture, capturing the inner essence of his subjects.
The Influence of Lysippos on Socrates’ Depictions
Lysippos’ sculptures profoundly influenced later representations of Socrates. The image of the philosopher as a wise old man, with a flowing beard and a thoughtful gaze, became a cultural icon, reproduced countless times in painting, sculpture, and literature.
Why Was Socrates So Often Represented?
- Symbolic Figure: Socrates is a central figure in the history of philosophy, and his image became a symbol of wisdom and the pursuit of truth.
- Model of Virtue: Socrates was regarded as a model of virtue and wisdom, and his artistic representation helped reinforce this ideal.
Conclusion
Lysippos’ sculptures helped establish an iconic image of Socrates that has endured through the ages. The Socrates herm, in particular, has become a cultural icon, universally representing the figure of the philosopher.
RITRATTO DI SOCRATE
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ANALISI
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– Scultura di Lisippo, copia in marmo, romana
– Dal modello di filosofo vengono poi modellati gli altri (Socrate filosofo per eccellenza)
» interesse ad un singolo per eccellenza che
riassumi una categoria di individui
– Caratteristiche del filosofo
» fronte ampia, corrugata come per pensare
» attenzione allo sguardo che è concentrato
» per le statue era solita una tunica ampia, si trova in mano ai filosofi rotoli di carta
» barba e capelli incolti: l’importante non è l’aspetto ma lo sguardo; era così anche il
modello di vita degli stessi filosofi, che
tendono a prendersi cura non del sensibile e dell’apparenza, ma del soprasensibile
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