polycleitos
Polykleitos
Polyclitus
Polykleitos, in his sculpture of Doryphoros.
It was the first statue to illustrate the contrapposto stance
The Doryphoros, or "Spear-Bearer," sculpted by Polykleitos, epitomizes the ancient Greek ideal of man through its embodiment of balance, proportion, and harmony. The statue exemplifies the concept of "symmetria," where the ideal male form is represented in a mathematical proportion that conveys beauty and strength. Its contrapposto stance, showcasing a relaxed yet muscular physique, reflects both physical perfection and the philosophical ideals of the time, emphasizing the unity of mind and body. Thus, the Doryphoros serves as a timeless symbol of the ideal human form in classical art.
The bronze statue known as Doryphoros (Spear Bearer) was cast by the ancient Greek sculptor Polykleitos around the 5th century BCE. Polykleitos created this work as part of his exploration of ideal human proportions, encapsulated in his theoretical treatise known as the "Kanons." The statue exemplifies the classical ideals of beauty and harmony in the human form and had a significant influence on later art and sculpture.
The Greek sculptor Polykleitos designed Doryphoros(Spear-Bearer),as an example of the "canon" or "rule", showing the perfectly harmonious and balanced proportions of the human body in the sculpted form, about 440 BC.
The Doryphoros, or Spear Bearer, is famous for its embodiment of classical Greek ideals of beauty, proportion, and the human form, as exemplified by the sculptor Polykleitos around 440 BCE. It exemplifies the use of contrapposto, a stance that conveys a sense of movement and life, and represents the perfect balance between muscularity and harmony. The statue also served as a model for later Roman sculptures and influenced the representation of the male figure in Western art. Its significance lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its philosophical connections to the idea of the ideal man in ancient Greek culture.
The "Spear Bearer," also known as the "Doryphoros," is a classical sculpture created by the ancient Greek artist Polykleitos in the 5th century BCE. This work exemplifies the idealized human form and represents the principles of balance and proportion in art, particularly through its use of contrapposto—a stance that gives a sense of movement and dynamism. The sculpture embodies the Greek ideals of beauty and athleticism, reflecting the cultural values of the time.
Literature and Drama: 1. Homer's The Illiad 2. The tragedies of Aeschylos, Sophokles, and Euripidies 3. Aristophanes' comedies Visual Arts: 1. Sculpture = Peplos Kore, The Kritios Boy, Doryphoros, etc... 2. Architecture = the Athenian Acropolis the Parthenon the Temple of Athena Nike the Greek Theater at Epidauros
Polykleitos's statue, known as The Spear Bearer (or Doryphoros), is a renowned example of ancient Greek sculpture that exemplifies the ideals of classical beauty and proportion. Created around the 5th century BCE, it depicts a muscular young athlete holding a spear, showcasing the artist's mastery of the contrapposto stance, where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic yet balanced pose. The statue embodies Polykleitos's theoretical principles of symmetry and harmony, as articulated in his treatise, the Canon, which sought to define the ideal human form. Although the original bronze statue is lost, Roman copies in marble provide insight into its significance in the development of classical art.
Polykleitos's Doryphoros, often referred to as "the Canon," is called so because it embodies the ideal proportions and symmetry of the human body, serving as a standard or "canon" for beauty in classical sculpture. Polykleitos developed a set of mathematical ratios to define these ideal proportions, which he articulated in a theoretical treatise known as the "Canon." The sculpture exemplifies his principles by depicting a perfectly balanced and harmonious figure of a youthful athlete, showcasing the blend of naturalism and idealism characteristic of ancient Greek art.