An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Statuette of an Athlete510–500 BCE
Striding forward with his right arm raised behind his head, this powerful figure conveys a naturalistic sense of form and movement associated with Greek sculpture created around 500 BC. Even without its right hand and the object it once held, other features of this statuette—especially its strong physique, posture, and clean-shaven face—all suggest that it represents an athlete, likely preparing to throw a javelin. For while the gods Zeus and Poseidon also strike similar poses in small bronzes of the period (holding a thunderbolt or trident, respectively), these gods would be bearded.
This robust athlete exudes power, despite his damaged feet and missing hands.
bronze (solid cast)
Overall: 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the soft light of a dimly lit gallery, a striking figure emerges from the shadows, its presence commanding yet serene. There it stands, a powerful echo of ancient artistry, striding forward with a raised right arm behind its head. This pose, imbued with a sense of motion and dynamism, whispers tales from a time long past, approximately 500 BC, where the ideals of form and strength were celebrated through the medium of sculpture.
The figurine, despite its loss—missing a right hand and the object it once clutched—seems to pulse with life. Every contour of its strong physique speaks of the dedication and rigor of an athlete, poised to hurl a javelin into the sunlit sky. Its clean-shaven face and athletic build draw us in, capturing the essence of youthful vigor and focus, qualities that transcend centuries.
As we stand before this ancient masterpiece, we can feel the vibrations of history. This figure does not merely represent a person; it embodies the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence. It stands apart from the deities of its time, like Zeus and Poseidon, who, adorned with beards and divine regalia, clutch thunderbolts and tridents in their heroic grasp. Here, however, we find a mortal, stripped of embellishments, who invites us to contemplate the raw beauty of athleticism and the power of the human body.
In this quiet moment, we pause to reflect. The artistry speaks not just of the skill of its creator but also of the aspirations, dreams, and struggle that resonate within us all. In the grace of this ancient athlete, we are reminded of our own journeys—the challenges we face and the victories we strive for. The figure's silence imparts a profound message: that even in a world where time leaves its marks, the spirit of humanity endures, celebrating the pursuit of greatness through the ages.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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