Abstract
Anthropomorphic symbol in the visual art was an integral part of ancient Greek culture since beginning. Personification of Hellenistic polis, understood as broad and diverse social, geographic and political phenomenon, can be approached by an analysis of archaeological and written sources. Define polis in miscellaneous Hellenistic society is a complex task, especially when socio-historical context is not directly reflected by individual archaeological finds and detailed historical data. Certain changes within political sphere appeared and status of city-states varied. An effort to restore political sovereignty did not expire entirely, therefore personification of poleis from previous period remained in some cases almost unchanged. Personification of political units in Classical art might be similar, distinct or completely different from Hellenistic depictions. Personification of polis in Classical period reflected not only patriotic stance and civil affiliation, but also the legitimacy of state independence. In this aspect, a connection with art of following period may be seen: reshaping of political propaganda was performed during Hellenistic age. Legitimity of state power and expressive means of fine arts were closely related since Archaic period, which occured later in various forms.
Highlights
Key for understanding Hellenistic conspect is connection of Polis and city-state cult, or divinization of Polis itself, detectable in Athens of Late Classical period
Cult of polis differed from Classical conspect, symbolizing formal autonomy and independence of city-states which were decreasing at the same time
Depiction of Tyche in the form of sitting or standing female figure was common in the early Hellenistic art
Summary
Key for understanding Hellenistic conspect is connection of Polis and city-state cult, or divinization of Polis itself, detectable in Athens of Late Classical period. Mergence of Polis symbols and deities, representing welfare of community, are crucial. In this sense, an attempt to identify public welfare with Eirene and similar, later replaced by ambivalent Tyche, could be seen. Individual character of ruler or state representant appeared in prominent place, standing, in iconography, between divine and human sphere, likewise personifications of communities in Classical period. Iconography of Hellenistic rulers distinguished likewise various forms of cult images of Tyche (Aleandria- oar?, Antiochia- mural crown) are expected. Attributes, as mural crown (wheel of fortune, cornucopia etc.), became part of the iconography associated with the depiction of polis, city or city-state, existing as form of political organization at the same time. Analysis of personified political institutions or values, and their depiction, is based on official documents with relief decoration, votive reliefs, free standing monuments, mostly preserved as Roman copies, testified by epigraphic and literally sources, glyptics and numismatic finds, mainly from Asia Minor and Levant.[2]
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