Around 478 BC e. Polizel, the tyrant of the city of Gela in Sicily, commissioned a sculpture to express his gratitude to the god Apollo for the victory of his chariot at the Pythian Games. Now in the museum in Delphi, this bronze figure is considered one of the best preserved examples of classical Greek art.
Sculpture history
The Delphic Charioteer is one of the most famous ancient Greek statues and one of the best-preserved examples of classical bronze casts. It is considered a great example of a "strict" style.
It is one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek art and, probably, the most famous exhibit in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. This statue was discovered by French archaeologists in 1896 at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Today it is exhibited in the museum and is actually the last exhibit that visitors see during the tour. The Delphic Charioteer is the only figure left from a large sculptural group consisting of a chariot, four horses and two riders.
The statue was erected at Delphi in 474 BC to commemorate the victory of the team at the Pythian Games, which were held there every 4 years in honor of the Pythian Apollo. Some horse fragments were found next to the statue of the chariot driver.
Description
The figure of the charioteer depicts a very young man, as evidenced by his soft curls. He froze at the time of victory, during the presentation of his chariot. He wears clothes traditional for the charioteer. In ancient times, chariot racers were carefully chosen, focusing on their low weight and high height. His body, features and facial expressions speak of strength and endurance. His pose is modest and there is no smile on his face.
Cultural significance
The significance of the statue of the "Delphic Charioteer" is partly due to the fact that it clearly represents the transition from archaic models to classical ideals. This illustrates the balance between stylized geometric representation and idealized realism, thus capturing the moment in history when Western civilization took the lead to define its own cultural foundations that supported it over the next several millennia.
The charioteer, although he is a winner, is portrayed as modest; he completely controls his emotions, despite the fact that he is facing the crowd. Such self-discipline in the classical period of Greek history was considered a sign of civilized man and a concept that permeates the art of this time. The ability to restrain one’s emotions, especially in the most difficult moments, began to define the entire classical era of Greek art and thought.
Features
The position of the figure is well balanced, and its long tunic covers a strong athletic body, falling free parallel folds in the lower part of the figure, which are neatly twisted on the body. Geometrically verified folds of the tunic cover a proportional muscular body, due to which a rare harmony between idealism and realism is achieved.
The face of the Delphic Charioteer does not express any emotions that the viewer can expect, given that the charioteer is depicted immediately after the race. He stands and looks with natural ease. Detailing soft curls of wet hair give the sculpture an aura of luxury and idealized realism.
The charioteer's outfit, xisthis, is a typical tunic worn by all chariot drivers during the race. He covers his entire body to the ankles and fastens high at the waist with a simple belt. The two belts that cross the upper part of his back and wrap around his shoulders are also typical of chariot racer clothing; they prevented Xisthis from inflating from the air inside the tunic during the race.
The legs are very realistic and are not just the basis for the statue. Their shape and position give lightness to a heavy bronze mass.
Degree of preservation
The figure of the Delphic Charioteer is missing only his left hand. Otherwise, it is very well preserved. She is one of the few Greek bronze statues that has onyx-encrusted eyes and copper details of eyelashes and lips. The silver headband may have been encrusted with precious stones that have been removed. The left hand was most likely separated even before the statue was buried. This sculpture is made in full size (the height of the figure is 180 cm), is one of the best examples of classical bronze casting and impresses with its magnificent details.
Inios (the man who holds the reins) was part of this sculptural composition. Only a fragment of a hand was preserved from him. In addition, there were small parts of horses and reins.
On the basis of limestone, an inscription has been preserved stating that the statue was commissioned by Polysalus (Polizel), who was the tyrant of Gela, in deference to Apollo for the victory. The author of Delphi Charioteer remained unknown, but judging by some characteristic details, we can say that she was cast in Athens.