£43,800.00
incl. VAT plus Shipping Costs
Delivery time: 6 months. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
USA delivery click here
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.
We offer two exceptional patina options for bronze statues. The first is the classical patina, which beautifully captures the natural weathered appearance of bronze. Since the rediscovery of ancient life-sized bronzes, this patina has become the preferred choice and is available in up to three popular variations.
For enthusiasts seeking an authentic, antique aesthetic, we present a groundbreaking innovation: a faithfully recreated surface finish that matches precisely what the ancient audience would have admired. Thanks to the spectacular research findings published by the Louvre Museum in late 2022, we are now able to replicate the surface of ancient life-sized bronzes with remarkable accuracy. The multi-year study of the Charioteer of Delphi, conducted using cutting-edge technology, revealed that the statue, aside from minor details such as the eyes, headband, and belt, once displayed a high-gloss, golden sheen reminiscent of subtly shimmering gold leaf. It is therefore highly likely that renowned ancient sites, such as Delphi, Olympia, and Delos, presented themselves to ancient visitors with bronze statues gleaming in golden splendour.
This effect was achieved through the use of bronze with a 10% tin content. Armed with this scientifically substantiated knowledge, we can now offer an authentically recreated, antique surface for our reproductions of ancient life-sized bronzes – a level of precision that was unattainable prior to these 2022 research advancements.
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.
In exceptionally designed gardens and parks, alongside high horticultural artistry and exceptionally beautiful design, the use of top-notch furnishings often shines. Whether it’s furniture or statues and sculptures. Now original antique statues are not or very rarely available for sale. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, costly replicas have such been made for castles, their parks, and concurrently for the mansions of the bourgeoisie who have attained great wealth. During this time, a canon for the placement and positioning of these artworks formed and developed into modern times. In our online shop, you’ll find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for ancient statues. Additionally, we provide you with an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each boasting an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, along with specific details on where each statue can be seen.
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 | £43,800.00 |