Final answer:
Roman admiration and the practice of copying Greek art in marble have preserved the legacy of Greek artists, despite the original bronzes being lost or destroyed over time. This cultural transmission underscores the deep influence of Greek aesthetic principles and mythical symbolism in Western art history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The names of Greek artists come down to us primarily through Roman copies of ancient Greek art. As the Roman Empire expanded, so too did the admiration of Greek art by Roman generals who collected it avidly. They commissioned Roman artists to adopt Greek aesthetic principles and produce replicas of famous Greek sculptures. Over time, Greek originals, especially those made of bronze, were lost or melted down, while Roman facsimiles in marble persisted, providing us a view of the Greek artistic legacy.
The influence of Greek art was furthered by the cultural connections established through conquests and trade with other ancient civilizations like Egypt and Phoenicia. Greek art incorporated mythical symbols and depictions, reflecting the rich tapestry of the Greek religion and storytelling tradition. The evolution of Greek art from borrowing elements from other cultures to developing its own distinct style during the Classical period signifies its maturation and the unique role art played in Greek society.
After the Roman conquests in Greece and the increased demand back in Rome, Greek artists, and eventually Romans trained in their style, began to thrive. They recreated beloved classical statues and introduced a new style of realistic portraiture that differed from the Greek idealized forms. These Roman adaptations and recreations are key to our understanding of Greek art today, as they are the primary sources that have survived through antiquity and inform contemporary assessments of Greek culture.