2020 IB Extended Essays

18

The Influence of Art on Religion in Ancient Greece

Art is used as a means to connect humanity with divinity through visual representation.

Creating a tangible object through iconography allows for visual representation of

narratives and divinity, that communicate meaning and values through them.

Iconography is used to associate the tangible with the spiritual. The use of symbols,

characters and details allow for identification, interpretation and connection with

information such as myths and legends. The embodiment of these religious ideals

contribute to the extent of belief as art is able to evoke a sense of transcendence when

connecting with a piece of art. Art in ancient Greece was used to symbolise the pride in

their religion and city, as well as to enhance their consciousness of unity. The act of

glorifying deities was extremely common for the citizens to be able to visualise and

commemorate the divine.

Greeks are able to forge relationships between the spiritual and material, forging a

personal connection with the deity or moral associated with a physical representation.

The public placement of statues play a large role in the atmosphere created when

dedicating monuments to deities. With temples and shrines devoted to specific

Gods/Goddesses, the statutes are used to draw emotional connection and to embody

human-like characteristics that one may be able to associate with. Additionally, the use

of symbolism in sacred animals and certain realistic elements of the environment allow

for a connection to be made with mundane life and objects in relation to myths and

deities. The building and designs of shrines and temples all contributed to providing the

certain God or Goddess with a place of worship, as a means of respect and admiration.

The extent in which the people of ancient Greece were able to visualise the divine

contributed to the overall extent of belief and connection to the spiritual aspect of their

religion through tangible pieces of art.