Doryphoros

Definition

The doryphoros, also known as the 'Spear-Bearer', is a classical Greek sculpture created by the sculptor Polykleitos in the 5th century BCE. This statue exemplifies the ideals of symmetry, proportion, and contrapposto, representing an athletic male figure that conveys strength and beauty. The doryphoros has become an iconic representation of the Classical Greek canon of proportions and has influenced countless works of art throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The doryphoros was originally sculpted in bronze, but most existing versions are Roman marble copies made from lost-wax castings.
2. Polykleitos wrote a treatise called 'Kanon', outlining his theories on proportion, which served as a guideline for artists in ancient Greece.
3. The stance of the doryphoros, with weight shifted onto one leg, creates a lifelike quality that was revolutionary in its time.
4. This sculpture was often used as a model for athletes and military figures due to its representation of physical perfection and idealized masculinity.
5. The doryphoros had a significant impact on later artistic movements, particularly during the Renaissance when artists sought to emulate classical ideals.

Review Questions

• How does the pose of the doryphoros illustrate the concept of contrapposto in ancient Greek sculpture?
  • The pose of the doryphoros exemplifies contrapposto by positioning the figure's weight primarily on one leg while the other leg is relaxed, creating a dynamic sense of movement and naturalism. This technique contrasts rigid postures typical of earlier sculptures, making the figure appear more lifelike. The relaxed posture enhances the overall balance and harmony of the figure, showcasing Polykleitos' mastery in depicting human anatomy.
• Discuss the significance of Polykleitos’ 'Kanon' in relation to the doryphoros and its influence on later artistic traditions.
  • Polykleitos’ 'Kanon' is significant because it established a set of rules for achieving ideal proportions in sculpture, which directly influenced the design of the doryphoros. This work not only represented Polykleitos' ideals but also became a foundational reference for artists in subsequent periods. The principles outlined in 'Kanon' guided Renaissance artists to strive for similar standards of beauty and proportion in their own works, reinforcing the doryphoros as an enduring symbol of classical aesthetics.
• Evaluate how the doryphoros reflects broader cultural values of Ancient Greece, particularly concerning ideals of masculinity and physical perfection.
  • The doryphoros reflects broader cultural values of Ancient Greece by embodying ideals of masculinity, strength, and physical perfection prevalent in society. This sculpture served not only as a representation of an athlete but also as a symbol of civic virtue and excellence that was highly valued in Greek culture. By emphasizing an idealized male form that balances beauty with athleticism, the doryphoros illustrates how art played a crucial role in shaping social norms and ideals during this period, influencing perceptions of heroism and virtue that persisted through later artistic movements.

Related terms

Contrapposto: A sculptural technique where the human figure is posed such that one part of the body is turned in opposition to another part, creating a sense of dynamism and relaxed naturalism.

Polykleitos: An ancient Greek sculptor known for his work in bronze and for formulating a set of rules for depicting the ideal human figure, as seen in his famous treatise called 'Kanon'.

Canon of Proportions: A system of ratios used in art to determine the ideal proportions of the human body, which was defined and popularized by Polykleitos through his works, including the doryphoros.