Lady Of Auxere Comparison Essay

While formulating a comparison and contrast between two sculptures; the "Lady of Auxerre” created in the Daedalic Greek class, c. 650 to 625 BCE in limestone standing approximately 2’5” and the “Nike of Samothrace” created in the Hellenistic Greek class, c. 200 BCE in marble standing approximately 8’. The Lady was found most likely in a cemetery at Eleutherna on the island of Crete and the Nike at its namesake of Samothrace Greece. The “Lady of Auxerre” is a depiction of a woman possibly in offering to something or someone in a standing pose where the “Nike of Samothrace” is a winged female in a landing pose. The idea of motion, form, and expression of each as it has changed given time is crucial in determining what is important to a culture
The Greeks became more involved with depicting time or more importantly that the creation could come alive at any moment. They also used a cannon of ideal proportions but one of true relationships between size of body parts, such as length of arms to total length of body etc. One of the most recognizable sculptures in this manner is the Nike. It was made in a large scale that interacts with the visible space and environment of the viewer. This allows the viewer to feel involved in the scene. The lady was set atop a second layer of a fountain. The water of the fountain provided movement while it also showed a reflection that only increased the sense of movement by the statues use of contrapposto (Counter pose) and a feel of kinetic energy about to be released by the Nike’s ultimate graceful touchdown on the bow of a ship. Everything about the form accentuates the idea of motion foremost. The sweeping curves of the drapery tight in sections against the skin creating the illusion of forward momentum. The use of marble also gave the sculpture a sense of silkiness and precision. Touching the folds would be exact but smooth. Marble though heavier than limestone could better support more intricate lines and shapes that did not wear or breakoff. Thus, protruding arms not supported beside the sculpture but out on their own gives a greater feel of reality and use of surrounding