The Origins of the Art of Sculpture date back to the History of Humanity, and it is difficult to determine which civilization made the first sculpture. Because the Early Sculptures were usually made of organic materials, they may have disappeared over time. However, Archaeological Finds and Art History Evidence indicate the Existence of Early Sculpture in Various Cultures.
For example, Hunter-Gatherer Societies of the Paleolithic Period Might Have Made Sculptures of Bone, Horn, or Stone. Some Examples date back 30,000 to 10,000 years. These Sculptures Usually Represent Human Or Animal Figures And May Be Associated With Ritual Or Religious Purposes.
Civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece and Rome are also known for their Early Period Sculptures. In Egypt, the statues of the Pharaohs were made to represent their divine status. In Ancient Greece, Sculptures were Used to Represent Gods, Mythological Figures, Heroes, and Famous Personalities. Great Statues and Monuments were also erected during the Roman Empire Period.
For this reason, although it is difficult to determine which civilization or culture made the first sculpture, it is known that various civilizations in the early periods were interested in the art of sculpture and that sculptures were used for social, religious, political or aesthetic purposes. The Origin of Sculpture in Art History dates back to Prehistoric Periods. For example, Stone Pillars at Göbekli Tepe in the Near East date back to BC. Examples of Early Period Sculptures Dated to the 9th and 10th Millenniums. There are animal figures on these pillars and it is thought that they were used for religious or ritual purposes.
In Ancient Egypt, the Art of Sculpture is known for the Great Statues Made for Pharaohs and Gods. While the Pharaoh Statues represent the Power and Holiness of the Pharaoh, the God Statues are Made to Embody the Existence of the Gods.
The Art of Sculpture Showed a Great Development in the Ancient Greek Period. Greek sculptures represented idealized human figures and were based on the principles of beauty, proportion and balance. Famous sculptors of this period include names such as Myron, Phidias and Praxiteles.
The Roman Empire also gave great importance to the art of sculpture. Roman Statues Are Often Known For Portraits And Statues Of Emperors. These Statues Are Made To Emphasize The Power And Authority Of The Emperors.
In the Middle Ages, the Art of Sculpture in Europe was Associated with Christianity in Churches and Cathedrals and Treated Religious Themes. The Renaissance Period, on the other hand, witnessed a great revival of the art of sculpture. Great Artists Like Michelangelo Created Important Sculptures During the Renaissance and Contributed to the Realistic Representation of the Human Figure.
Today, however, the Art of Sculpture is produced in a wide variety of styles where traditional and modern approaches are mixed. Sculptures are exhibited in outdoor exhibitions, galleries, museums and public spaces, enriching the artistic experience of the society and promoting communication.
Today, the Art of Sculpture continues in different styles and expressions by using various materials and techniques. Sculptures can be made of stone, metal, wood, ceramics, glass, plastic and other materials. Artists can produce their sculptures by handwork or by using contemporary technologies.
a.) The Sculpture Making Process Usually Consists of Steps:
1. Concept and Design: Sculpture making usually starts with a concept or idea. The artist determines the dimensions, form, message he wants to convey and other details of the sculpture. Drawings, Sketches or Models Can Be Used at This Stage.
2. Material Selection: The Artist Selects the Material He Will Use To Make His Sculpture. The material is determined depending on the design of the sculpture, its size and the preferences of the artist.
3. Scaffolding and Formwork: Large sculptures usually have a skeleton or support system inside. This Skeleton Helps to Maintain the Balance and Durability of the Statue. Then the mold of the statue is made. The mold is used to make copies of various parts or all of the sculpture.
4. Chipping or Modeling: This is the Stage of Realizing the Sculpture. Stone or other hard materials that come in the form of large blocks are cut and shaped using carving tools by the chipping method. On the other hand, with the Modeling Method, the Design of the Sculpture is Created by Gently Shaping from Materials (Clay, Wax, Plasticine, etc.) that can be shaped by hand.
5. Detailing and Finishing: The Details of the Sculpture Are Added And Corrections Are Made. The artist smoothes and smoothes the surface of the sculpture and makes the necessary dimensional or aesthetic adjustments. Finally, finishing processes such as varnish or painting can be applied to emphasize or protect the details on the sculpture.
Sculptures are generally accepted as the original works of the artist and displayed in different exhibitions, museums or open air spaces. Art of Sculpture, Creativity of the Artist, Technical Skills.
