Art and Architecture - Doryphoros

What artist made Doryphoros?

Polykleitos of Argos

What was Doryphoros made from?

The original - bronze
Copies - marble

Made in?

Circa 440 - 450 BC

How big is he?

Approximately 6 feet tall

Doryphoros's figure is an example of...

Classical contrapposto (meaning counterpoise or opposites). The angle of the pelvis best shows this along with a straightened right leg that supports the weight of the statue.

How is he an example of Classical Greek realism?

His natural stance. To the greek Doryphoros has a perfect body. An exemplum of male beauty. 'Kallos' - beauty

Why is he called The Spear Bearer?

His left arm is outstretched and likely held a spear. He represents a warrior poised for battle. Although he isn't wearing armour our battle gear in order to show off his body which exemplifies the Canon.

What is Polykleitos's Canon?

Polykleitos’s written treatise entitled The Canon (meaning the ‘rule’ or ‘measure’). It's meant to show the perfectly harmonious and balanced proportions of the human body in this sculpture.

How is the chiastic principle seen in Doryphoros?

The Chiastic Principle derived from the Greek letter 'chi' utilises bilateral symmetry of the human body.

Techniques used:

Facial expression
Contrapposto
Arm/leg balance
Ideal warrior
Muscles

What effect does his facial expression have?

His face lacks distinguishing trait meaning he’s meant to symbolise the ideal form of an ordinary Greek man. His physique - balanced, nude, powerful, proportionate and confident can be aspired to but not reached. Almost god-like in that way.