Introduction
Both given images represent a specific time period, Ancient Greece in particular. The first picture portrays a bare man titled “Warrior” by an unknown sculptor, while the second one depicts a vase painted by Exekias, where Ajax and Achilles play a game in their painting. Presumably, the sculpture was made circa 460-450 BCE, and the vase dates to circa 540-530 BCE (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). Many worthwhile topics related to these images should not be omitted, such as the precise details in each of them, the similarities and differences between them, and the possible associations they evoke.
Source: Lumen Learning, “Early Classical: Riace Warriors”
Source: Art History Resources, “Archaic Black-Figure: Exekias, Achilles and Ajax”
Description
As mentioned, the “Warrior” depicts a bare man who may have held a spear, a shield, and a helmet during the sculpture’s heyday. It is a very detailed and complex piece of bronze sculpture that perfectly represents the talent of its period, presumably the Early Classical. The sculpture tries to imitate the details “from nature,” such as the swollen hand veins (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018).
The second image, a vase depicting Ajax and Achilles playing a game, illustrates a traditional Greek vase that typically featured a narrative scene around its sides. In this case, two warriors, Ajax and Achilles, sit at a small table facing each other and play a game similar to chess or checkers, both still wearing their armor. It is made by a famous ancient Greek vase painter and potter, Exekias, who signed his works with “Exekias made [me].”
Comparison
Similarities
Regarding the similarities between the images, it is fair to claim that both attempt to express the talent and skill of artists from such ancient and mysterious times. Both show works from Ancient Greece and share similar features and details associated with that specific time period, such as meticulous work execution and the beauty of the human form. Despite being different representatives of art fields, they complement each other, and we are lucky to observe them in their close-to-original shape and color.
Differences
Just as in the case of similarities, the images have specific differences. Obviously, they showcase two different works of art that serve distinct purposes and convey different meanings behind each. What is harder to spot is that they are supposedly made in two distinct time periods despite being close to each other on the timeline (Stokstad & Cothren, 2018). In addition, these pieces of art display different levels of detail, with the sculpture having the least detail. However, these images should not be judged solely on this basis, as the amount of detail should be explicitly measured in their respective areas of creation, such as sculpture and pottery.
Associations
The primary purpose of art is to convey hidden meanings and express them in an elaborate and often twisted way. In the case of “Warrior,” again, the sculptor tried their best to display all the peculiar and beautiful details of the human body. It is considered a milestone of the Early Classical period. I experience a special feeling of respect and benevolence while looking at this image. The vase by Exekias evokes somewhat similar feelings in me. I can decipher the hidden details behind the story in the vase painting and feel the mystery and concentration that it exudes.
Conclusion
To summarize, there appear to be both similarities and differences, as well as hidden meanings, between these two images. While made in a close time period, the images’ content represents far from similar pieces of art that convey different ideas and levels of detail. It is interesting to see how two distinct pictures like these can be easily compared and successfully used to spot the above-mentioned similarities and opposites.
Reference
Stokstad, M., & Cothren, M. W. (2018). Art History, Vol. 1 (6th Edition). Prentice Hall Publishers.