Greek Statues and the Olympics

The time has come again for Olympics games to begin. Organizers of the Olympics must choose the finest statues from a certain time period; they chose to decorate with the Classical period. They believed that the Classical period would best decorate the course of the marathon because they believe that the Classical statues characterize both modern and ancient values the best. The three Classical statutes that would best signify both ancient and modern values would be: The Charioteer from Delphi, The Discus Thrower, and Zeus/Poseidon. These three Classical statutes would best depict both modern and western values because of their characteristics of determination, freedom of expression/language, as well as their perfection of form.

The first statue to decorate the course of the marathon would be The Charioteer from Delphi. The Charioteer of Delphi is one of the most important sculptures to represent the course because he exemplifies the idealized realism through the expression on his face; his facial expression basically summarizes the moment of victory in a race. However he doesn't show an expression/emotion because of his determination to be victorious. The athletic Charioteer's form lets him stand and stare with a natural ease that allows him to concentrate, and allow him to be triumphant.

The next statue to line the course of the marathon would be the Discus Thrower. This statue seems to be perfect depiction of a beautiful athletic body. This sculpture catches the athlete in motion; in the peak of his back swing. Although he has no facial expression, you can tell by the way of his form of movement and weight shift, that he is trying hard to put his body in a powerful rotation to give the discus immense speed. He is depiction of a beautiful athletic body because of his muscles and his perfect form; which is what people in today's society strive for and think is the ideal body.

Lastly, the next statue to line the marathon course would be the statue of Zeus (or Poseidon). This statue provides the look of power because it is an open statue, ready to throw a lightning bolt, or a trident. Again, the facial expression is blank, and the weight shift is extreme to show that the body is in motion. His musculature is well defined, almost perfect, much like the athletes in today's Olympics. So as a result, he is the perfect portrayal of athletes in today's society.

Both ancient and modern values

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