Classical vs. Hellenistic

The Doryphoros by Polkleitos is a perfect example of Greek art during the High Classical period. Although only a Roman remains of the lost bronze original, the elements within the sculpture show what was common during this era in Greek art. It was called "Canon" by it's maker because it was though to be the perfect sculpture. Greek artists rejected the stiff Egyptian style of old and opted for a more relaxed stance, with balance shifts known as contrapposto. The tree truck in the sculpture helps to hold up the heavy marble due to the weight shift of the man. Another mark of the High Classical period is the complete lack of expression on this man's face. Although he is perfect in form, he lacks expression and emotion.

Dying Gaul, on the other hand, is a perfect example of art from the Hellenistic period. This marks a break away from unrealistic pieces of people with perfect bodies and into the world of extremely realistic art depicting real people with real emotions.Unlike Doryphoros, the Dying Gaul has pain and emotion etched on his face and signs of it throughout his body. He is looking away from the viewer, and struggling to hold himself up while he bleeds from the wound on his side.