Cast of the Standing Discobolus, ?1872

Unidentified Roman sculptor and Naukydes

RA Collection: Art

According to Pliny in his Natural History, the Greek sculptor Naukydes (fl. c 420-390BC) made a Discobolos, and this statue has long been associated with Roman copies representing an athlete preparing to throw a discus. Unlike the famous all-action discus thrower by Myron, here the athlete is preparing for his throw, while a knotty tree trunk rises behind him.

This cast is of a Roman copy of an Attic original sculpture, which was found in the ruins of a Roman villa on the Appian Way by Gavin Hamilton in 1792. The original has been atributed to Naukydes and dated 420-400 BC and is in the Vatican Collection. The head does not belong with the body, but was found with it.

Object details

Title

Cast of the Standing Discobolus

After

Unidentified Roman sculptor and Naukydes

Cast made by

Unknown maker

From

Original in the Vatican Museum

Date

?1872

Object type

Sculpture Cast

Medium

Plaster cast

Dimensions

1919 mm x 930 mm x 510 mm

Collection

Royal Academy of Arts

Object number

03/1477

Keywords

Greek Mythology Athlete Discus Discus Thrower Nude Male (Human Gender) Thinking Planning Measuring Standing Full Length Portrait

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