Final answer:
Ancient Greek sculptures were originally painted bright colors. Traces of paint on sculptures allow us to know that they were once colored. Most Greek art was destroyed over time, but the Romans made marble copies of Greek sculptures and buildings, preserving their artistic style.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ancient Greek Sculpture and Painting
Ancient Greek sculptures were originally painted bright colors. They only appear white today because the original pigments have deteriorated. Traces of paint on sculptures allow us to know that they were once colored. For example, paint would have been applied on the face to demarcate the eyes, mouth, and hair, and dots were used to decorate the figures with bracelets and necklaces.
Most Greek art was destroyed over time, including the sculptures made of bronze. However, the Romans made marble copies of Greek sculptures and buildings, allowing us to appreciate the Greek artistic style. Similarly, Greek paintings are often preserved on vases, with colors such as red, white, and black being used for decoration.
The materials and techniques used in ancient Greek painting and sculpture varied. For instance, red and yellow ochre, manganese or carbon for black, and china clay for white were used as pigments. The paint was applied by finger, chewed sticks, or fur brushes. Greek artists often took inspiration from other cultures, such as Phoenician and Egyptian art, and incorporated their conventions and styles into their own works.
Conclusion
Ancient Greek sculptures were not originally white, but were brightly painted with various colors. The white color we see today is a result of the original pigments deteriorating over time. Traces of paint and Roman copies of Greek sculptures help us understand how they were originally colored.