#slide 8

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[greekartt]

Riace Warrior A & B by Unknown Greek 480-450 BCE. Early Classical in Riace, Italy. 

The end of the Persian wars mark the beginning of the Classical Period.  Early Classical style from 480-450, started just before the building for the parthenon.

Roman lifted up the 2 bronze figures and moved them back to Rome and inserted them on a large marble base (it’s possible that these warriors belong to some larger sculpture group). Pausanias went to Delphi and talked about sculptures he saw there; said it’s very close to Athenian treasury and it’s probably built to celebrate heroic warriors died at Marathon, probably sculpted by Pheidias

Here we see race warriors shown in heroic nude.  Both originally held shields: shield straps in left hand. In right had they held swords. They should be read in a battle context. Likely a reference about the Battle of Marathon or the Ancient warriors from the Trojan wars.   We see classic contrapposto pose which gives them a s shaped curve.  That is, all the weight is placed on one leg.  Also, there is a change in the placement of the body  Still, we have both feet touching the ground.  This sculpture is meant to be seen from profile view. 

Their bodies are not the same in terms of physical features. They are interested in showing individual character.  They bodies are not the same, although both are muscular.  One is more muscular than the other and one wears a helmet. The age difference is key for the difference in the muscular form and the characterization of two figures.  Both bearded.  Older warrior is smaller. He is the one wearing the helmet. Younger warrior looks more vibrant and he is wearing a head band. 

Younger Warrior:   it’s the left warrior who is wearing athlete’s band. It is younger and more cut.  He has a lot of hair and he is at his physical prime.  The ponderation is left leg load bearing.  

The Older Warrior: It’s the warrior at the right that still wears a helmet.  He is older and looks a bit retired.  His muscles are sagging.  His right leg is the load bearing one.