About 478 BC e. Polyzelus, tyrant of the city of Gela in Sicily, commissioned the sculpture to express his gratitude to the god Apollo for the victory of his chariot at the Pythian Games. Now in the museum at Delphi, this bronze figure is considered one of the best surviving examples of the art of classical Greece.
History of sculpture
The Charioteer of Delphi is one of the most famous ancient Greek statues and one of the best preserved examples of classical bronze casts. Considered a fine example of a "strict" style.
She 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 in the Temple of Apollo at 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 of a large sculptural group consisting of a chariot, four horses and two riders.
The statue was erected at Delphi in474 BC, to commemorate the team's victory in the Pythian Games, which were held there every 4 years in honor of the Pythian Apollo. Some horse fragments were found near the statue of the chariot driver.
Description
The figure of the charioteer depicts a very young man, as evidenced by his soft locks. He froze at the moment of victory, during the presentation of his chariot. He is wearing traditional charioteer clothing. In ancient times, chariot riders were carefully chosen for their light weight and tall stature. His body, features and facial expression speak of strength and endurance. His posture is modest and there is no smile on his face.
Cultural significance
The significance of the Charioteer of Delphi is partly due to the fact that it vividly represents the transition from archaic designs to classical ideals. It exemplifies the balance between stylized geometric representation and idealized realism, thus capturing the moment in history when Western civilization surged ahead to define its own cultural foundations that would sustain it for the next few millennia.
The charioteer, although he is a winner, is depicted modestly; he is in complete control of his emotions despite standing in front of a crowd. Such self-discipline in the classical period of Greek history was considered the sign of a civilized person and a concept that pervaded the art of this time. The ability to control one's emotions, especially at the mostdifficult moments, began to define the entire classical era of Greek art and thought.
Features
The figure's posture is well balanced, and her long chiton covers a strong, athletic body, falling in loose parallel pleats at the bottom of the figure, which curl neatly over the torso. Geometrically adjusted folds of the chiton cover a proportionally muscular body, thanks to which a rare harmony is achieved between idealism and realism.
The face of the "Delphic Charioteer" does not express any of the emotions that the viewer might expect, given that the charioteer is depicted immediately after the race. He stands and looks with natural lightness. Detailed soft curls of damp hair give the sculpture an aura of luxury and idealized realism.
The charioteer's robe, xistis, is a typical chiton worn by all chariot riders during the race. It covers his entire body down to his ankles and is fastened high at the waist with a simple sash. The two straps that cross his upper back and wrap around his shoulders are also typical of a chariot racer's attire, keeping the xistis from inflating from the air inside the chiton during the race.
The legs are very realistic and are not just the basis for the statue. Their shape and position lend lightness to the heavy bronze mass.
Degree of preservation
The figure of the "Delphic Charioteer" is missing only the left hand. Other than that, she's very good.preserved. She is one of the few Greek bronze statues that still has onyx-encrusted eyes and brass details of eyelashes and lips. The silver headband may have been inlaid with precious stones that have been removed. The left hand was most likely severed before the statue was buried. This life-size sculpture (figure height is 180 cm) is one of the finest examples of classical bronze casting and impresses with magnificent details.
Inios (the man who holds the reins) was part of this sculptural composition. Only a fragment of a hand has survived from it. In addition, small parts of the horses and reins remained.
An inscription has been preserved on the limestone base, stating that the statue was commissioned by Polysalus (Polyzel), who was the tyrant of Gela, as a token of respect to Apollo for the victory. The author of The Charioteer of Delphi remains unknown, but judging by some characteristic details, we can say that it was cast in Athens.
