Fall 2022 - The Figure

A C R O S S T H E C O L L E C T I O N S
Go Figure
The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed “the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance
of things, but their inward significance.” For millennia, artists have aimed not only to capture the figure but
to infuse its representation with deeper meaning and purpose—whether to embody lived experience, to
uphold tradition, or to examine its magical quality. The works shown here—all drawn from the Museum’s
collection—comprise a cross-cultural snapshot of artists’ ever-evolving approach to and stylistic
treatment of the figure.
P O R T F O L I O
16
20 × 15 1/4 × 17 3/4”
460–450 BC
This monumental krater, an ancient
Greek vessel for diluting wine, depicts
several figures in composite engaged
in a dramatic battle scene. A rider on
a rearing mount fends off two soldiers,
called hoplites, who peer over their
decorated shields. One of the foot
soldiers, wearing a Thracian helmet
and a star-studded tunic, attempts a
strike with his spear. Kraters were an
important part of symposia, all-male
banquets that featured wine, food,
games, and entertainment. Such
combat scenes were inspired by
The Iliad, the poet Homer’s great
war epic from the 7th century BC.