The Grave Stele of Hegeso reflects the cultural values and formal artistic norms of high classical Greek sculpture because of its Phidian depiction of the fabric worn by the figures present the use of contrapposto in the figure on the left.
The fabric that can be seen on the stele clothing the two female figures seems to be hugging the curves of their bodies more than it would in reality. It appears extremely heavy and idealized, obscuring their bodies yet illuminating every curve, a distinctly Phidian style of carving. This style of carving can be seen throughout high classical Greek Culture, most prolifically in and around the Parthenon. Its presence in this stele may be seen as evidence that its artistic values parallel those of high classical Greek sculpture.
Furthermore, the female on the left spears to be in a balanced, yet asymmetrical pose. Her left leg is bent, leaving the right leg to bear all of her weight. Her left hip sags accordingly which is mirrored by the slight tilt of her shoulders and the lowering of her head. This more organic stance, less mathematically perfect and more human, is evocative of much high classical Greek sculpture and its inclusion in this stele is evidence that its artist held the values of the classical Greek sculptures.
This stele may be attributed to the Greek high classical period because of the presence of Phidian stylized drapery and the contrapposto pose within it. These two elements were greatly valued by classical Greek culture because of their depiction of human perfection.
The fabric that can be seen on the stele clothing the two female figures seems to be hugging the curves of their bodies more than it would in reality. It appears extremely heavy and idealized, obscuring their bodies yet illuminating every curve, a distinctly Phidian style of carving. This style of carving can be seen throughout high classical Greek Culture, most prolifically in and around the Parthenon. Its presence in this stele may be seen as evidence that its artistic values parallel those of high classical Greek sculpture.
Furthermore, the female on the left spears to be in a balanced, yet asymmetrical pose. Her left leg is bent, leaving the right leg to bear all of her weight. Her left hip sags accordingly which is mirrored by the slight tilt of her shoulders and the lowering of her head. This more organic stance, less mathematically perfect and more human, is evocative of much high classical Greek sculpture and its inclusion in this stele is evidence that its artist held the values of the classical Greek sculptures.
This stele may be attributed to the Greek high classical period because of the presence of Phidian stylized drapery and the contrapposto pose within it. These two elements were greatly valued by classical Greek culture because of their depiction of human perfection.