Discobolus

what kind of dimensional composition does it have?

2 dimensional like that of Tyrannicides. It can be seen in profile from a single prime view point; from all other angles the work lacks balance and appears a jumble of lines.

How is rhythmos evident in Discobolos

It defines an entire movement. The discus thrower is at the high-point of his back-swing, the point where the movement has been stopped for a moment before he will lunge forward.

What does it have in common with a relief sculpture?

It lacks depth and is confined to a single plane.

Who was the Artist?

Myron

Materials

Original in Bronze, Surviving Roman copies in Marble

The sculpture...

is composed of a pattern of superimposed triangles in a relatively narrow spacce

Briefly describe discobolos.

Balance is sought between tension and relaxation. The shoulders are virtually frontal, while the legs are seen in profile. There is an increased sense of realism and naturalism.

(Livy, Natural History33-35)

Myron is the first sculptor who appears to have enlarged the scope of realism, having more rhythms [rhythmos] in his art than Polykleitos and being more careful in his proportions [symmetria]. Yet he himself so far as surface configuration goes attained great finish, but he does not seem to have given expression to the feelings of the mind,..."

draw backs?

The torso is a little out of proportion, but this may be the fault of the copyist. Some of the musculature that is depicted may not inf fact exist.

The head is...

an idealised type, akin still to the kouroi, with the short hair lying close to the head but less stylised than Harmodios and more linear or patterned.

Date?

c450 BC

the face...

is expressionless, serene, maintains greek mobility. appeares vacant and lifeless. no effort or exertion is implied by the action. Any emotion is shown through the dynamics of the pose.

the arms are..

kept away to prevent obscuring the torso. In the marble copy, support struts are needed between the hand and the knee as well as a tree trunk to help support the weight of the entire figure.

Expand on Rhythmos

literal meaning 'shape' or 'pattern' and was associated with music through dancing where dancers had momentary stops (rhythmoi) where the dancer held the position. A well chosen rhythmos could convey the whole nature of movement.