Thread by @DocCrom

Ancient Artefact of the Day: The Artemision Bronze, ca. 460 BC - one of the most famous bronzes to survive from the ancient world, recovered off Cape Artemision, the northern point of Euboea. #AAOTD

Image: Athens National Archaeological Museum, Inv. No. 15161

At slightly larger than life-size (2.09m high), the clear musculature and full-bearded face are splendidly executed, though the figure is perhaps best viewed in silhouette, as the depiction does seem to telescope from other perspectives.

For much of the study of the piece, there was much debate whether the figure depicted was a Poseidon hurling a trident, or a Zeus hurling a thunderbolt - as both the size and appearance suggest a divinity rather than a mortal athlete.

Comparisons have been made with other statues and statuettes of Zeus and Poseidon, but these are typically identified by secondary attributes, such as an eagle.

However, there are other enigmatic such as the 'God from Ugento'.

Image: Taranto, National Museum Inv. No. 121327

However, this earlier figure - dating to the late Sixth or early Fifth Century BC - is perhaps more likely a Poseidon, given the surrounding context.

For more on the Artemision Bronze, see:

Mylonas, George E. “The Bronze Statue from Artemision.” American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 48, no. 2, 1944, pp. 143–160.

jstor.org/stable/499921

And for more on Bronze Statues in general, see:

Mattusch, Carol C. “In Search of the Greek Bronze Original.” Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome. Supplementary Volumes, vol. 1, 2002, pp. 99–115.

jstor.org/stable/4238448

#AAOTD