During the Classical Period, artists began trying to represent their own artistic ideals of the human body and architecture as well. More realistic and anatomically correct sculptures were carved as well as the use of contrapposto stance, which created a more natural-looking effect. In the Early Classical Period, muscular frames were favored while later leaner, taller body types were considered more ideal. Ictinus and Callicrates designed the Parthenon, built on the Acropolis, whose columns and 4:9 ratio style of construction created a stunning visual effect that was marked during this time period.
Even today, Greek ideas of beauty- physical and architectural alike- are echoed. The frames of men who grace our magazine covers would most likely been held in the same esteem during the Classical Period in Greece. Many of our political buildings are mimics of the grand “column-full’ designs of the Greeks.