Analysis of Classical Greek Sculpture: Riace Bronzes (Statue A)
The Riace Bronzes represent a pair of life-size, bronze statues that are highly regarded in classical Greek sculpture. Statue A portrays a youthful warrior, while Statue B depicts an older warrior wearing a helmet. This analysis focuses specifically on Statue A. Although the sculptor’s identity is uncertain, many experts believe that Polyclitus, a skilled Greek sculptor and mathematician, or one of his disciples, created this statue.
The Riace, created approximately in 445 BCE during the early Classical Period, was found unexpectedly in the Ionian Sea as part of an ancient shipwreck near the coast of southern Italy in 1972. Through restoration, it has been brought back to its current state. Originally, the statue held a lance or spear in its right hand and had a shield fastened to its left forearm. The possession of these weapons has resulted in the statue being referred to as a warrior-hero. Nonetheless, Dr. also provides a different perspective.
According to Jennifer Henrichs of Louisiana State University, the statue displays a prominent headband that is believed to be the foundation for a victory wreath, which is usually reserved for champions. This suggests that the statue could potentially depict an Olympic athlete rather than a warrior. Despite being ready for action, the statue appears calm and aims to embody physical perfection. This demonstration of potential energy is a characteristic commonly found in Greek Classical Period art. The Riace statue highlights the Greek admiration for athleticism and their warrior-driven culture.
The Riace sculpture garnered admiration for men who had robust physical attributes and maintained their bodies. Particularly noteworthy in the sculpture are the prominent elongated vertical lines, particularly seen in the legs that were intentionally made equal in length to the upper torso. This symmetrical feature held great value in Greek society. Furthermore, a clear demarcation exists between the upper and lower torsos through diagonal lines representing abdominal muscles. Although not geometrical, the sculpture’s shape is undeniably naturalistic.
The sculpture showcases an elegant yet strong human figure, with soft S-shaped lines that create a realistic form. The well-defined pectorals and abdominal muscles indicate the person’s excellent physical shape and their awareness of maintaining a finely-toned body. The firm grip of the left hand and the outward gaze are signs of energy and alertness towards the surroundings. The figure stands in a Contrapposto stance, where most of the weight is supported by one leg (in this case, the right leg positioned behind the left). Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the physique of the sculpture is exaggerated.
Nigel Spivey, author of How Art Made the World, discusses the Riace Bronze sculpture. According to Spivey, the sculpture features exaggerated muscle definition across the waist, which is more prominent than what one would see on a real person. Additionally, the sculpture has a deeper central channel of the spine and lacks a coccyx bone at the base, both of which would not be observed on an actual human. These details indicate that the sculptor, living in a time when human perfection was greatly esteemed, sought to enhance the sculpture’s aesthetic appeal.
Despite its naturalistic appearance, the statue is deemed unrealistic due to its impeccable symmetry and flawlessness. The sculpture utilized bronze as its primary material, with the exception of silver teeth. However, the Riace was not solid bronze but hollow, a crucial characteristic for a portable artwork. In comparison to hefty marble sculptures, bronze is generally more resilient because marble statues with heavy limbs tend to detach, particularly if the limb in question is an elevated or extended arm.
The Riace statue has maintained its intact limbs due to its lightweight construction. The statue’s considerable size, reaching almost seven feet tall, showcases the adaptability of the medium. The bronze material has been meticulously polished on every side, indicating that it was meant to be observed from all angles. The absence of clothing emphasizes the significance of the bronze’s color and surface characteristics. By recognizing that the statue was intended to be seen in its naked form, a more authentic connection to the human figure could be achieved in bronze, particularly when complemented by colored embellishments that further enhance the metal’s appropriateness.
The Riace is a sculpture that can be viewed and appreciated from all angles. It portrays a man who is both at ease and prepared for action at any moment, resembling a warrior or possibly an Olympian athlete—an individual whom the ancient Greeks evidently held in high regard. Although the sculpture’s depiction of a flawless physique may seem enhanced, the Greeks discovered more enjoyment and aesthetic appeal in this exaggeration compared to mundane, lifelike statues. It is speculated that the Riace statues were crafted to honor warriors or athletes, but their true purpose remains uncertain.
The Greek culture of games and exercise played a significant role in shaping the physique of the statue. It captures the ideals of the ancient Greeks during the Classical Period, who were both intellectual and warlike. It is not surprising that they held admiration for warriors and athletes. However, unlike the ancient Egyptians and the archaic period of ancient Greece, their warriors were not rigid stone-like figures. Instead, they were poised for action yet still had a sense of grace and humanity. (Spivey)
The movement of the Classical Period statue sets it apart from the archaic Greek and ancient Egyptian statues. While the Riace Bronze is not actually in motion, its appearance suggests otherwise. Scientists refer to this as action potential. The statue is self-supporting and can be appreciated from all angles. It resembles a photograph capturing a warrior in mid-action. Mathematicians like Polyclitus played a significant role in the development of these statues because a profound understanding of mathematics was necessary to create the illusion of movement.
The face of the Riace Bronze stands out in contrast to the Egyptian statues, which appear mass-produced. This Greek Classical Period statue exhibits naturalistic yet unrealistic symmetry and human perfection. In the Contrapposto pose, one side of the figure is in motion while the other remains at rest. This particular statue represents an athlete, a warrior, an ordinary man gifted with exaggerated muscularity and proportion. The Greeks had a deep appreciation for the human body and wished to display its perfection without concealing it with robes or clothing.
The Riace Bronze sculpture is remarkable and represents classical Greece. It is believed to have been ingeniously made, although the exact creator and purpose of the sculpture remain unknown. Compared to the rigid kouros of the archaic period and the standardized sculptures of the pharaohs, the poses depicted in the Riace Bronze are more naturalistic. [1][2]
Works Cited:
[1] Henrichs, Jennifer. The Riace Bronzes: A Comparative Study In Style And Technique. Louisiana State University, 2005.
[2] Spivey, Nigel. How Art Made the World. London: Basic Books, 2006.
