Diskobolus

The Diskobolus

The Diskobolus was created near the ending of the Severe period, circa 460-450 BC. It is referred to as “the one bent over into the throwing-position, with his head turned back to the hand that holds the discus, and the opposite knee slightly flexed, like one who will spring up again after the throw” by Roman author, Lucian of Samosata’s Philopseudes. Artwork during 490-450 BCE could be defined by an interest of motion. Diskobolus was created by Myron of Eleutherae (480-440 BCE) who was known for his representation of athletes and his ability to breathe life into his work. He introduced more movement and greater boldness in pose, and focused on the composition, motion (rhythmos) and proportion (symmetria) of the sculpture. By bringing these elements together he aimed to create a sculpture that was pleasing as a whole. The original Diskobolus, which Myron created was made form Bronze. Bronze allowed artists to use detailed characterization, which therefore enabled them to explore representations of stories. However the original Greek Bronze piece was lost and the Romans later created numerous marble made, full scale copies.

The pose of this sculpture is unnatural, and now considered to be an inefficant way of throwing the discuss. This sculpture is of a male Athlete, shown at the highest point of tension in his swing, his is body is toned, knees are bent and spine twisted, coiled and ready to release the discus rather than an athlete holding a discus in a contrapposto pose. It is considered that Myron created this sculpture to be viewed form one particular angle, in order to be most pleasing to the eye. The athletes chest (which some may say is a little too stiff for his movement) is open facing the viewer, arms are spread wide, head tilted and legs sideways, this presents each feature of the body in its most appealing and impressive view when viewed straight on. However, from the side, the head is turned away from the viewer, the legs face straight on, the chest is being covered by one arm, and the other arm hidden behind the body. It is difficult to make sense of what the athlete is doing, and his body is simply a bunch of shapes. There is potential energy and motion expressed by the sculptures tightly-wound pose, and also his twisted torso, however it does not show ant muscle strain, although the limbs are out-flung. No one set of the muscles were over developed, this means all proportions are harmonious. However the face lacks expression/life. The eyes and facial muscles are not tensed or concentrated as you/we might expect, and it seems as if it (face) is too calm and relaxed for the tension of the body. Also the head has been wrongly restored, and should be turned to look towards the discus. The knee opposite to the hand, which holds the discus is slightly flexed. The arms and back of the thrower create two intersecting arcs, and