Artifacts > Arundel Head

Arundel Head

Background

Arundel Head

Background

• Origin: The Arundel Head is a notable fragment of an ancient Greek statue, specifically a marble head believed to be from the 5th century BCE. It is thought to represent a god or an athlete from classical antiquity.
• Discovery and Name: The head is named after the Arundel collection, assembled by Thomas Howard, the 21st Earl of Arundel, a notable English collector of classical art. The exact discovery details of the head are not well-documented, but it became part of the Arundel collection in the early 17th century.
• Current Location: The Arundel Head is now part of the collection at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.

Description

• Material: The head is carved from marble, typical of high-quality Greek sculpture of the classical period.
• Dimensions: As a fragment, the Arundel Head consists only of the head portion of the original statue. The exact dimensions of the head are not typically specified but are life-sized.
• Depiction: The head depicts a youthful male figure with idealized features, characteristic of Greek classical art. The serene expression, smooth facial contours, and detailed hair suggest a representation of a deity or a highly idealized human form, such as an athlete.

Artistic Significance

• Classical Style: The Arundel Head exemplifies the classical Greek style, characterized by the emphasis on idealized human beauty, balance, and proportion. The serene expression and naturalistic detail reflect the classical ideals of harmony and perfection.
• Realism and Idealism: The head combines realistic anatomical details with idealized features, showcasing the skill of ancient Greek sculptors in blending naturalism with the pursuit of ideal beauty.
• Influence on Renaissance Art: The Arundel collection, including this head, significantly influenced Renaissance artists who sought to revive classical ideals. The study of such fragments helped artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci understand and emulate the classical approach to human form.

Historical Context

• Classical Greece: The 5th century BCE was a period of great artistic and cultural achievement in Greece, particularly in Athens. Sculptors like Phidias, Myron, and Polykleitos were active during this time, creating works that set the standards for classical art.
• Cultural Significance: Greek sculpture of this period often depicted gods, athletes, and idealized human figures, reflecting the cultural values of physical perfection, divine beauty, and intellectual balance.

Influence and Legacy

• Arundel Collection: The Arundel Head was part of one of the earliest and most important collections of classical antiquities in England. The collection played a crucial role in the development of classical scholarship and the appreciation of ancient art in Europe.
• Art Historical Importance: As a fragment of a larger work, the Arundel Head offers valuable insights into the techniques and aesthetics of classical Greek sculpture. It serves as an important study piece for historians and artists alike.
• Cultural Impact: The head's inclusion in the Ashmolean Museum's collection underscores its significance as a representative example of classical Greek art. It continues to be an object of study and admiration, contributing to the ongoing appreciation of ancient art.

Conclusion

The Arundel Head is a significant fragment of classical Greek sculpture, exemplifying the artistic achievements of the 5th century BCE. Its idealized features and serene expression reflect the classical Greek ideals of beauty and harmony. As part of the Arundel collection, the head has had a lasting impact on the study and appreciation of classical art, influencing Renaissance artists and contributing to the cultural heritage preserved in museums today. The Arundel Head remains an important artifact that offers valuable insights into the techniques and aesthetics of ancient Greek sculptors.

Sources

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