These different busts (shown here) represent the changes in ideals from the High Classical Greek society to the Hellenistic societies that came after Alexander the Great. The sculpture of Pericles shows a strong, helmeted soldier looking out to what can be imagined as an oncoming military force, his intense yet calm gaze personifies the ideal Greek man who even in the face of battle has a cool and collected composure. On the other hand the figure in sculpture of the Philosopher is less than ideal, he seems to be of an old age, his beard slightly unkempt and his expression is more quizzical. He seems to be pondering a problem that had been set in front of him. The differences between the two sculptures show the change from defining the ideal person as a great military fighter, to an individual who can use his mind and higher learning to identify himself and his surroundings. It also represents a change in the arts from idealism to realism.
