Discobolus (British Museum Objects in Focus) by Jenkins, Ian (2012) Paperback

by Ian Jenkins

A concise and beautifully illustrated book that explores the history and meaning of Myron's Discobolus, one of the most famous images of the ancient world and a masterpiece of Greek art.The Discobolus or discus-thrower is a marvellous classical piece of sculpture that over time has come to mean different things to different people. Originally cast in bronze by the fifth-century BC sculptor Myron, the composition portraying an athlete preparing to throw his discus captures a moment of action the tensed body looks as if it is merely pausing and about to burst into life at any moment. An enduring pattern of energy, Myron's statue of harmonious proportions is a fantastic representation of the athletic ideal and an embodiment of the male Greek body beautiful. Sadly, the original statue has long been lost; however, it was so admired by the Romans that numerous marble copies were made.This book tells the story of Myron's Discobolus both as an archaeological artefact and bearer of meaning. Focusing on the Townley Discobolus, the Roman marble copy excavated from Hadrian's Villa in Lazio, Italy, this illustrated introduction explores the history and significance of the statue – in both classical and modern times – in light of ancient discus throwing, Myron’s other works, and the artistic, intellectual and philosophical context of the Greek world.

Paperback

First published March 12, 2012

Reviews

[Ryan James Keane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, little guide to one of the most iconic art pieces from antiquity. I understand the whole point of this British Museum series is that these books are concise, but I felt like this could have been expanded just a little bit more. For example, I wish there was more on the socio-historical context on the original Discobolus and the one found in Hadrian’s Villa; there was only really information on the context surrounding more contemporary copies.

I’d also say that whilst I think the book is good and offers a broad insight into the history of the Discobolus’ locations, I think the conciseness of the book oversimplified it a bit. For instance, Jenkins talks about how the varied poses of figures across Greek (and sometimes Roman) art makes it difficult to assert just how Greek discus throwers did the activity they’re known for. But I found this take to be a bit presumptuous, in the sense that I think historians sometimes imply that ancient art often typifies the sphere of reality way back when. How do we know which pieces of art were designed with a documentary lens and which were designed as an expression of desire, or a form of experimentation etc.? Some of Van Gogh’s paintings for example, especially those that depicted scenes of everyday life, were predominantly for artistic experimentation (colour, tone etc.) even if they showcased what was in front of him. Not every piece of historical art will have been born with documentary purposes. But of course, some would have been. It’s why I would have loved to have seen ideas and questions like this raised in the book. I know it’s a short book, but more allusion to the complexity of historiography would have made me give the book five stars, along with deeper mention of the socio-historical contexts which shaped the statue (if you’ll pardon the pun).

[Mark Blane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read on the discovery of Dicobolus by an Englishman inside of Hadrian ancient retreat outside of Rome - you learn quickly that Dicobolus was sculpted by Myron in the 5th Century BC in bronze, but was forever lost to time. The statute we see today is a marble copy of that sculpture by the Romans who admired the art of Greece. The booklet take your through its holdings until present day.