Doryphoros, Roman Copy

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

1st century CE replica of an original from 440 BCE

Abstract

Total view of sculpture from front center, featured is the spear-bearer Doryphoros

Keywords

Greek Classical period, Sculpture (Visual works), Statues, Roman copy, Contrapposto

Alt Text

A statue of a muscular, nude male figure standing on a pedestal with one arm bent and the other relaxed by his side. The statue has a weathered, aged appearance against a dark background.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Italy; Pompeii (Extinct city); Samnite Palaestra (Pompeii, Italy)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

The Doryphoros was a notable sculpture by Polykleitos, though the Greek bronze original is lost, so it is only known for later Roman copies. This copy was excavated in Pompeii in 1797 in front of the entrance to the Samnite Palaestra. The work is an early example of contrapposto and classical realism. Distinct proportions were utilized in creation, with the ratio of head to body at one to seven. The head of the figure is slightly turned to the right, with a heavily muscled and athletic build. The posture features Doryphoros taking a slight step forward, shifting his weight. The right leg is straightened, supporting the body weight, with the right hip raised and right torso contracted. The left leg bears no weight and his left hip drops. The left hand would have originally held a spear and rested on his shoulder. The right arm hangs positioned at the subject's side, perhaps the earliest extant example of a free-hanging arm in a statue. A large, sculpted tree stump is added behind his right leg to support the weight of the marble stone, but would not have been present in the original as bronze does not require this reinforcement. It now resides in the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Italy.

Identifier

A01-JGC0185

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Doryphoros, Roman Copy" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 235.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/235