£28,000.00
incl. VAT plus Shipping Costs
Delivery time: 12 weeks. Deliveries to Scotland: 13 weeks. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
The 1.55 metre high marble statue of a discus thrower, the Discobolus, was found in the Massimo family estate on the Esquiline in 1781. The Massimos then placed the statue in Palazzo Lancelotti. Hence the name. Created in Rome in the 1st century AD, it copies the Greek bronze original of Myron (around 460 BC), which stood either in Delphi or Olympia and was lost. In Tivoli, in the Villa Adriana, another marble statue of Discobolus was discovered. Six fragmentary Roman copies of the original by Myron are currently known. The statue is on display in the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme museum in Rome.
Myron’s discobolus depicts a naked Greek athlete throwing a discus. The statue shows the athlete’s movement at the moment of maximum tension and at the moment of absolute stillness before the throw. The successful symmetry of the body is typical of Myron. Every muscle, every tendon is worked out down to the smallest detail and reflects the dynamics of this discus thrower. Myron thus created a unique, everlasting symbol of sporting energy. The moment of movement chosen by Myron is so fleeting that athletes still doubt today whether it is even feasible. Myron’s work epitomises the Greek philosophy known as Kalokagathia, in which physical beauty and performance were considered integral parts of a virtuous life. The bronze cast of the original sculpture will be made for you personally when you buy it. You buy a replica in our online shop, which is given your personal signature through the base engraving.
The marble statue was first known as Discobolus Palombara, named after the estate where it was found. It is considered to be the best preserved marble copy of Myron’s bronze masterpiece. After its discovery, a second remarkable discobolus, the so-called Townley Discobolus, was unearthed in the Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli in 1790. This was acquired in 1792 by Thomas Jenkins, an English antiquarian and art dealer based in Rome. Another specimen, which was also found in Tivoli at this time, was acquired by the Vatican Museums.
In 1937, Adolf Hitler negotiated the purchase of the Discobolus Lancelotti and was finally successful in 1938 when Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano sold it to him for five million lire. The statue was transported by railway to Munich and exhibited in the Glyptothek. After the war, it was returned to Rome.
The bronze cast of the original sculpture is produced using the traditional lost wax technique. The negative mould is based on a plaster cast of the original made in Rome before 1800. The finished bronze sculpture is of museum quality and corresponds to the original in its original state.
Restoration by Giuseppe Angelini (before 1800).
In addition to classic bronze casting, we also offer two other moulds for the replica statues shown here. Marble casting from powdered genuine white marble. And the new moulding of the statue by sculptors from a single block of white marble. If you are interested in such a mould, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.
Patination marks the final step in the finishing process of a bronze statue. The patina simulates the natural oxidation process that causes the bronze to weather differently over time, depending on the environmental influences on the copper alloy. We have various patina recipes in our repertoire, including one that corresponds well to the patina of preserved antique bronze statues. If you are interested in purchasing a patina, we will be happy to provide you with samples in advance.
Each statue cast by us is engraved in the base with a serial number, date of manufacture and our company logo. The base is also engraved with your name, a lettering, the occasion of production, your own company logo or additional engraving as required.
Our life-size bronze cast of the original sculpture is not only an artistic replica, but also a timeless reminder that will preserve your legacy for generations to come. By engraving your name, the date and the occasion on the base, this statue becomes an everlasting symbol of your most personal life achievement, your significance in this world and your work there.
Ancient Greek bronze statues and their masterfully crafted Roman marble replicas were the sensual and visual mirror of these two advanced civilisations for over a millennium. After their rediscovery during the Renaissance, these statues once again became world-famous and symbolised the emergence of modernity. The statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements in the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome.
Antique statues are rarely available as originals. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, expensive replicas have been made for castles, their parks and, in parallel, for the mansions of the wealthy bourgeoisie. During this period, a canon for the erection and placement of these works of art was developed, which continued into modern times. Here you will find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for antique statues. We also offer you an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each of which has an impressive collection of ancient sculptures. With specific details of which statues can be seen where. Go travelling, let yourself be inspired!
Item No. | S08 |
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Material | Bronze cast |
height | 155 cm |
What you receive | Single piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary. |
Delivery | Delivered using our own van |
Delivery Charge | Free delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details. |
Price incl. VAT | £28,000.00 |