Artemision Bronze

Known as the Poseidon from Cape Artemision or as Zeus from Cape Artemision Statue (often referred to as the " God of the Sea" ) is one of the few Greek bronzes of the 5th century BC, which have been preserved. It is now in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens ( Inv. No. 15161 ).

Discovery

The standing figure of a bearded man with sweeping arm movements was discovered in 1926 in the vicinity of an ancient shipwreck off Cape Artemision in northern Euboea. Investigations of the site in which the right arm of the statue was found, also found still held in 1928. But this died a diver; then the research has been set and has not resumed. In the same wreck of the so-called Reiter was discovered off Cape Artemision.

Description

The bronze statue is 2.09 meters tall; the span of outstretched arms is also about two meters. The person depicted is naked and muscular; the left leg forms the actual leg while the right leg is used with the slightly raised heel primarily to support and preserve the equilibrium. In the stretched far to the rear right hand there was formerly a spear, a trident or something similar. The left arm is also collected and forms - together with the stretched hand - a line of bearing, as well as a counterweight to the throwing arm.

The head is aligned with the union goal. The mouth is closed; the - formerly probably decorated with ivory or bone slices and a central Iris of dark stone or glass - eyes fix the goal. Beard and forelocks hanging down like braids; the head hair is held together by a braided band. While the body immediately before throwing the voltage is to be noted, the facial expression is calm and focused.

Interpretation

Overall, the body of the statue as an athlete or warrior acts, but the research has long interpreted the figure already either as sea god Poseidon or as his brother Zeus himself, the interpretation depends on the lost Wurfgerät: A spear would clearly an athlete be assigned or warrior; a trident would characterize the figure as Poseidon; a thunderbolt would unequivocally point to Zeus.

Dating

Due to the character style that combines significant realistic with stricter trains (Bart ), the bronze statue is around the year 460 BC. During the development time is saved as largely, the creator of the figure is unknown - were called Calamis ( active around 470-440 ), Onatas of Aegina or Myron.