Analysis of Polykleitos’ Diadumen and Myron’s Discobolus
Polykleitos’ Diadumen
Listing
- Title: Diadumen
- Artist: Polykleitos (480-420 BC)
- Date: 430 BC (original bronze), 5th Century BC (marble copies)
- Commissioner: Unknown (possibly individual or public authority)
- Recipient: Unknown (possibly individual or polis)
External Data
- Technique: Lost-wax casting (original), carving (copies)
- Material: Bronze (original), marble (copies)
- Tools: Clay, wax, bronze, hammer, chisel, marble
- Form: Freestanding sculpture
- Typology: Standing figure
- Color: Monochrome
- Location: National Archaeological Museum (Naples), British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Prado Museum
- Dimensions: 1.95 meters tall
Formal Analysis
Description
The Diadumen portrays a young athlete tying a victory ribbon around his head. His arms are raised, his left leg bears his weight, while his right leg is bent. His head is turned downwards and to the left, exhibiting contrapposto. The hair is detailed and lifted from the skull, suggesting movement. The musculature is well-defined, and the body parts are proportional, reflecting Polykleitos’ canon. Marble copies often include a third foot for stability, unlike the original bronze.
Volume and Space
The sculpture occupies an open space. The raised arms and bent legs create a dynamic relationship between volumes. The height is approximately seven times the head size, adhering to Polykleitos’ canon.
Figures
- Figure Study: Idealized naturalism
- Expression: Serene and heroic
- Anatomy: Well-defined muscles, weight on left leg, contrapposto
- Dress: Nude
- Proportions: Canon of Polykleitos (height 7x head size)
Composition
- Type: Open, symmetrically balanced
- Lines: Dynamic, curved, and rounded
- Framing: Triangles, circle, or lines connecting body parts
Rhythm
- Composition: Balance between movement and rest
- Movement: Action (tying ribbon, walking)
- Resources: Contrapposto, leg positioning, raised arms
Other Elements
- Viewer Location: Frontal
- Time: Perpetual movement
- Light: Artificial
- Color: Monochrome
- Relationship to Space: Located in museums
- Relief: None (freestanding)
Style
- Artist: Polykleitos, known for bronze works and his Kanon (treatise on proportions)
- Period: Classical Greek (original), Hellenistic Roman (copies)
Interpretation and Significance
Content
- Topic: Sport, victory
- Iconography: Athlete tying victory ribbon
- Symbolism: Glory of the city or patron, possibly Apollo
- Commission: Unknown
Function
Commemorative
Artistic-Historic Context
- Relationship to Era: Idealized representation of man
- Relationship to Subject: Importance of sport in ancient Greece
- Artist’s Role: Creator of the canon of proportions
- Innovations and Influences: One of Polykleitos’ later works
- Comparisons: Doryphoros (earlier work by Polykleitos)
- Historical Moment: Development of democracy, naturalism in art, anthropocentric philosophy
Myron’s Discobolus
Listing
- Title: Discobolus
- Artist: Myron (490-430 BC)
- Date: c. 460 BC
- Dimensions: 1.53 m
- Location: National Roman Museum, British Museum
- Color: Monochrome
Formal Analysis
The Discobolus captures an athlete in the moment before throwing a discus. The composition is dynamic and asymmetrical, with the body in a twisted pose. The sculpture exhibits anatomical detail and a sense of movement. The head is turned, and the limbs are positioned to suggest the athlete’s action. The viewer’s perspective is frontal.
Style
Myron was known for his realism and innovative approach to depicting movement. The Discobolus is a key example of Classical Greek sculpture, showcasing the focus on the human form and the pursuit of perfection.
Interpretation
The Discobolus represents an idealized athlete in a moment of intense physical exertion. It symbolizes the Greek concept of aretē (excellence) and the importance of physical prowess. The sculpture was likely intended for public display, celebrating athletic achievement.
Background
The Discobolus was created during the Classical period in Greece, a time of flourishing art and culture. This era saw the development of democracy, the rise of Athens, and the emergence of influential philosophers and artists.