Orientalizing period

The Orientalizing period in Greek art, roughly from 700 to 625 BCE, marked a significant shift influenced by contact with the East, particularly Syria and Phoenicia. This era saw the introduction of new motifs like floral designs, animals, and monsters, which began to replace the prevailing Geometric style.1

In vase painting, this period saw the emergence of Proto-Attic style in Athens, featuring scenes from Greek mythology and heroic past. Figures were often depicted in silhouette with outlined heads, creating a monumental effect. Meanwhile, Proto-Corinthian style in Corinth favored smaller vases with intricate, tiny figures and introduced the black-figure technique, where details were incised into a black pigment.1

Sculpture also absorbed Eastern influences, with the adoption of the Daedalic style, characterized by frontal poses and stylized hair and drapery. Later in the period, Greek artists were inspired by Egyptian monumental statuary, leading to the creation of the first large-scale marble sculptures, including the iconic kouroi (statues of nude youths).2