Emotional Manipulation in Hellenistic Art and Architecture

My research delves into the art and architecture of the Hellenistic period of ancient Greece, specifically the manipulation of the viewer in relation to various aspects of space, sculpture, and architecture. I investigate the purpose behind the artists' aim to evoke specific emotions in viewers and why that was a significant goal of art and architecture during this time period. In addition, I look at what specific emotions the artists and architects are trying to channel in the viewer.  I argue that a major motivation behind Hellenistic art and architecture during this time period was to achieve some level of self reflection in the viewer and that the artists used specific techniques to evoke specific emotions to achieve this goal. I focus on three different case studies in my research: the sculptural group of Laocoön and his two sons, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, and the frieze on the Great Altar of Pergamon. This research sheds light on the goals behind these works of art and provides a deeper understanding to the purpose played by viewer experience in Hellenistic art.