Severe style

The Severe style, prominent in Greek sculpture from approximately 500 to 450 BCE, marked a shift from the stylized forms of the Archaic period to a greater sense of calm and balance. This era saw artists deliberately checking their work against live models, leading to more naturalistic expressions of emotion.1

Key characteristics include:
* Calm and Balance: A move away from Archaic stylization towards a more serene aesthetic.1
* Naturalism: Increased attention to the realistic depiction of human anatomy and emotion, with artists observing differences in age and expression.1
* The Peplos: Women's attire transitioned to the peplos, a heavy, straight-falling robe that contributed to a severe look.1
* New Pose: Sculptors adopted a relaxed stance where the body's weight was primarily on one leg.1

Notable works include the sculptures from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia by the Olympia Master and the bronze sculptures like the Zeus (or Poseidon) and the Charioteer from Delphi. The Severe style laid the groundwork for the subsequent Classical period in Greek art.1