Artemision Zeus

Pose artemision zeus

Large-scale figure depicted in the midst of vigorous action, a new development in he early classical period.

• Free, open pose illustrates the benefits of working in bronze rather than marble.

• Straight aiming arm versus bent throwing arm.

• Planted left leg with flexed knee versus free, slightly raised right foot.

• Left aiming arm and head focused outside of the statue.

• Bowstring curve through the torso.

anatomy artemision zeus

• Limbs are elongated, especially the forward arm.

• Torso muscles do not fully reflect movement; the right pectoral should be raised.

• Determined concentration on face with pursed lips adds to the narrative.

• Bronze chasing on hair braid, fringe, and coldwork on beard and iliac crest enhances characterisation and confidence.

• Radiating locks on the crown of the head are arranged in thick strands, sometimes overlapping.

context artemision zeus

• Bronze statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) found in the sea off Cape Artemisium.

• Depicts a god (Zeus or Poseidon) in action: hurling a thunderbolt or trident.

• Developed during the Early Classical period, reflecting a new interest in narrative storytelling through action, characterisation, and expression.

• Artists of this period used every device to differentiate gods and men by age and personality, beyond just adding a beard.

emotion artemision zeus

• Determined concentration on the face, visible in pursed lips.

• Adds to the narrative of a god in action and focus.

• Dynamic yet balanced, creating an aura of vigorous threat combined with composure.

proportions artemision zeus

• Composition based on a system of triangles (between the legs, between each arm and the body).

• Elongated limbs add grace and dynamism.

• The figure's balance between vigorous action and stillness is a hallmark of its proportions.

Props artemision zeus

• The god's prop is lost: thunderbolt (if Zeus) or trident (if Poseidon).

not effective artemision zeus

anatomy doesn’t fully react to action pose

pectorals & elongated arms

esp potential lost wax carving technique to adjust

Woodford's Interpretation (1986)

• The artist varies limb positions (straight arm vs. bent arm, weight-bearing vs. free leg).

• Effectively utilises eloquent contour to create a vivid figure.

• Captures novel movement in a free-standing statue.

• Identifies two problems:

  • First problem: the torso should be dramatically affected by the action limbs but does not fully react to the out-stretched limbs.

  • Second problem: the Artemision Zeus, while remarkable from the front and back, is less impactful when viewed from the side.

Barringer's View (2014)

• The careful rendering of muscle, flesh, and bone structure animates the god’s concentrated visage despite missing inlaid eyes.

• Long, braided hair offers a chance for the sculptor to showcase skill in metal chasing.

• Nudity and size indicate divine nature, representing either Poseidon or Zeus.

Neer's View (2012)

• The elongated left arm stretches nearly to simian length and projects forward like an arrow.

• This design makes Zeus project more forcefully into the space of the beholder.

Boardman's View (1985)

• Total nudity and realistic stance are awe-inspiring.

• The figure achieves a balance between vigorous threat and static posture.

• Hair locks radiate in thick strands, sometimes overlapping.

Date and Style of Artemision Zeus

c. 460-450 BC; exemplifies characteristics of the Early Classical period.

Dimensions of Artemision Zeus

Height: 2.09 m; fingertip to fingertip: 2.10 m.

Materials Used in Artemision Zeus

Hollow bronze statue with copper lips and nipples; ivory and bone inlaid in the eyes and onto the eyebrows.