Discobolus (Objects in Focus)

Jenkins, Ian

ISBN 10: 0714122718 / ISBN 13: 9780714122717

Published by British Museum, 2012

About this Item

In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0714122718

Bibliographic Details

Title: Discobolus (Objects in Focus)

Publisher: British Museum

Publication Date: 2012

Binding: Paperback

Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis:

The Discobolus or discus-thrower is a marvellous classical piece of sculpture that over time has come to mean different things to different people. Originally cast in bronze by the fifth-century BC sculptor Myron, the composition portraying an athlete preparing to throw his discus captures a moment of action perfectly: the tensed body looks as if it is merely pausing and about to burst into life at any moment. An enduring pattern of energy, Myron’s statue of harmonious proportions is a fantastic representation of the athletic ideal and an embodiment of the male Greek body beautiful. Sadly, the original statue has long been lost; however, it was so admired by the Romans that numerous marble copies were made. This book tells the story of Myron’s Discobolus both as an archaeological artefact and bearer of meaning. Focusing on the Townley Discobolus, the Roman marble copy excavated from Hadrian’s Villa in Lazio, Italy, this illustrated introduction explores the history and significance of the statue – in both classical and modern times – in light of ancient discus throwing, Myron’s other works, and the artistic, intellectual and philosophical context of the Greek world.

About the Author:

Ian Jenkins is Senior Curator of the Ancient Greek collections at the British Museum and has published widely on the archaeology and art history of Ancient Greece and Rome. His recent books (also published by The British Museum Press) include Greek Architecture and its Sculpture (2006), The Parthenon Sculptures in the British Museum (2007), The Lion of Knidos (2008) and The Greek Body with Victoria Turner (2009).