Friday, July 27, 2012

What I'm Looking At Today: Discobolus


I thought that in honor of the Olympics we'd look at a sculpture we're all familiar with.

Everyone has seen this sculpture by Myron the Greek. Like the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper and the painting of dogs playing poker, the Discuss Thrower is ubiquitous. Kitsch. Until you see an antique copy in person. What must have the original bronze been like if these copies, as all copies must be, are mere facsimiles.


The strong relaxed features of the athlete, confident in his abilities


One of two discus throwers at the Palazzo Massiomo in Rome


The curve of the back


Strong legs ready to spring back into action the moment the disc is released




The hands and feet look alive. The whole thing ready to move and caught in time.

The drama of competition captured forever in stone.

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