The Discobolus: Object in Focus

Part of the British Museum series Object in Focus, and introduction to the Discobolus.

The Discobolus or ‘discus-thrower’ is a marvellous piece of classical 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 perfectly: the tensed body looks as if it is merely pausing and about to burst into life at any second. An enduring pattern of energy, Myron’s statue of harmonious proportions is a fantastic representation of an athletic ideal and an embodiment of the male Greek body beautiful.

Sadly, the original statue has been long lost; however it was so admired by the Romans that numerous marble copies were made. This book tells the story of Myron’s Discobolous both as an archaeological artefact and a 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.