Doryphoros

Definition

The Doryphoros, or 'Spear Bearer,' is a famous ancient Greek sculpture created by the sculptor Polykleitos around 450-440 BCE, representing the ideal male form and embodying the principles of symmetry and proportion. This statue is often regarded as a quintessential example of Classical art, particularly due to its influence on the development of contrapposto and naturalism in sculpture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Doryphoros was created using a system of proportions that Polykleitos famously outlined in his treatise 'Kanon', emphasizing harmony in the human figure.
2. This sculpture demonstrates a significant shift from the rigid stance of earlier statues, showing a more relaxed and lifelike representation of the human body.
3. The original Doryphoros is believed to have been made in bronze, but many surviving versions are Roman marble copies made centuries later.
4. The pose of the Doryphoros has been influential in both ancient and modern art, serving as a standard for depicting idealized human forms.
5. The Doryphoros not only represents physical beauty but also reflects the cultural ideals of strength, heroism, and athleticism in Classical Greece.

Review Questions

• How does the Doryphoros illustrate the principles of symmetry and proportion as defined by Polykleitos?
  • The Doryphoros exemplifies Polykleitos's principles of symmetry and proportion through its carefully balanced structure, where each part of the body relates harmoniously to others. Polykleitos developed a set of mathematical ratios to create an idealized form, showcasing how a well-proportioned body could represent strength and beauty. This approach influenced not just sculpture but also set standards for future artistic representations in Western art.
• In what ways did the Doryphoros impact the development of contrapposto in Greek sculpture?
  • The Doryphoros significantly advanced the use of contrapposto by introducing a more relaxed stance that conveyed movement and life. Unlike earlier rigid statues, this pose allows for one leg to bear weight while the other is relaxed, creating a dynamic balance that captures natural human behavior. This innovation became a hallmark of Classical sculpture, influencing countless artists and leading to greater realism in representations of the human figure.
• Evaluate the significance of the Doryphoros within the broader context of Classical Greek art and its influence on Roman adaptations.
  • The Doryphoros is pivotal in understanding Classical Greek art as it embodies the ideals of beauty and humanism prevalent during this period. Its influence extended into Roman art, where copies were made that maintained its iconic status as a representation of physical perfection. The principles established by Polykleitos through this work laid foundational concepts for future art movements, emphasizing realism, proportion, and anatomical accuracy that would resonate throughout history, including during the Renaissance.

Related terms

Contrapposto: A sculptural technique where the human figure stands with one leg bearing weight and the other relaxed, creating a sense of dynamic balance and movement.

Polykleitos: An ancient Greek sculptor known for establishing a canon of proportion in sculpture, particularly through his work on the Doryphoros.

Kouros: A type of ancient Greek statue depicting a standing nude male youth, which precedes the more naturalistic styles seen in later sculptures like the Doryphoros.