Humanism In Antigone And Art

3 Pages 761 Words

According to the dictionary humanism is a system of thought that centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth. Relating to this definition, Ancient Greece and their people proved they could express humanism throughout their lives, especially in art. Great pieces of art, such a sculptures, paintings, murals and even the written art continue to exemplify humanism, even today, at times when Greek art is still appreciated and continue to be a mystery. This is why people of any age, race, and idea continue to visit exhibits and museums to be intrigued by this mystery of humanism.
In the play of Antigone, Antigone is a young girl who is willing to risk her life in order to give her brother a proper burial. She is a woman of passion who is “in love” with love and, in a way, death. In the first stasimon of Antigone she gives a great speech to her sister. She explains to her sister and audience of the grief and pain their father left for them. She complains Zeus will not help every pain and grief that they have been through. Her and her family has already gone through so much pain and now this unwritten law by Creon is announced. She feels as if there is no reason to be alive. She’s been through so much and now even her own brother cannot have a proper burial. Antigone expresses how she feels, not even her stepfather does not respect her value of life and family. She views her self-value is no longer mattered. Why wouldn’t she attempt this risky action? She is a human and feels love for her brother. Love causes humans to do crazy, unexplainable things. She is ready and willing to accept death in order to follow what her heart wants. Humanism at it’s best.
Historians throughout time have and continue to interpret and examine ancient Greek art. One particular subject discussed in the Greek images of the Gods. For example, the sculpture of the Head of Zeus discussed in the lecture. The sculpture is a very detailed...