L'Aurige de Delphes
Discovered in 1896 during excavations of Apollo’s Temple at Delphi, “The Charioteer of Delphi” is one of the most well-preserved statutes from the Severe Style of Classical Greece. Dating back to around 470-466 BCE, this statue is one part of a large bronze sculptural dedication erected in honor of the god after a charioteer’s victory at the Panhellenic Pythian Games. This monument was completed with an inscription explaining the background, having been dedicated by Polyzalus, the tyrant of Gela, in southern Sicily, after he proved victorious over his opponents. Delphi was one of the most important sanctuaries and temples in the Ancient Hellenic world, and throughout the centuries, countless individuals would trek to pay homage to Apollo and, if they needed guidance, consult his infamous Oracle. Today, it is housed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
This account of The Charioteer, or L’Aurige de Delphes as it is published here, was written by French Hellenist and archaeologist Francois Chamoux (1915-2005) in 1955 and published in Paris by Editions de Boccard. The topographic impressions were done by Jean Crès and reproduced by De Faucheux and Sons. Francois Chamoux, a scholar of Classical archaeology who has written his thesis was on The Charioteer of Delphi, was a frequent participant in archaeological excavations in Greece.
In addition to the 1m 28cm statue of bronze, also discovered were fragments of some of the horses. At its completion and dedication, the complete dedication would have included the chariot and charioteer, reins, at least four horses, and perhaps even two grooms caring for them. This kind of devotion was uncommon for the regular Greek citizen and shows the great wealth of Polyzalus. The detail in this sculpture is extraordinary. The dark eyes are one of the most remarkable parts, as they are made using the inlay of stones and gems. The sclera is composed of magnesite, the iris is made of chalcedony and a basalt-type stone, and the pupil is dark obsidian. The hands are also somewhat of a miracle of composition, as the right hand remains clasped around the reins of the horses pulling the chariot-- even the reins remain curved in a semblance of motion. Despite the passage of nearly three thousand years, The Charioteer of Delphi lives to tell the tale of a long-since past religion and what mortals were willing to do to appeal to their gods and humble their fellow man.
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-- Gabby, Special Collections Undergraduate Classics Fieldworker
