
FAQ About Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Art

How did the concept of ‘mimesis’ influence Western art forms?
The concept of 'mimesis,' which refers to imitation, was foundational in shaping Western art forms. Originating from Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotle, mimesis advocated that art should imitate life and nature. This principle encouraged artists to study and closely replicate the physical world and human experiences in their work, leading to realistic depiction in painting, sculpture, and theatre throughout Western art history.