The Greeks had many artistic works developed in the 5th c. BCE such as the 460-450 BEC bronze Poseidon/Zeus. The Artemision bronze statue of Poseidon or Zeus (Fig. 1) was discovered in the sea. The statue was pulled out of the sea close to Cape Artemision. The statue is made almost completely from bronze and is over six and a half feet in height, and the arm span of the statue measures almost identical in length at six feet and three-quarters inches long. The smaller details such as lips and nipples are copper, while the eyes were ivory or bone. The statue is unique in its godly content, but there were other bronzes that resembled it in texture and nudity, such as the Riace Warriors made within the same decade as the Poseidon/Zeus figure. The figure would have been an offering to whichever god, whether it be Zeus or Poseidon. Offerings would have been given for numerous reasons, whether it be for a blessing or giving thanks to the gods.
(Figure 1, image found at: http://ancientrome.ru/art/artwork/sculp/gr/bronze/bro036.jpg)
The statue is of a muscular man presumably representing an Olympian god. The statue is completely nude and is yet another depiction of the ideal male figure that the Greeks were so interested in. His long and curly beard suggests either Poseidon or Zeus as well as his broad stature. His expression is subtle, but it is clear that he is focused. He is positioned in such a way that presents him as hunting, either an animal, or an enemy. Right arm outstretched to balance himself, one foot facing forward towards his target, the other tilted out in the same direction of his muscular torso. His left arm is held over his head, muscles flexing, holding the weapon he would have been holding had it survived with him. His hand is clenched as he readies himself to use the weapon to strike.
One of the key issues surrounding this bronze statue is the controversial debate about who the subject is. The body features and the facial details suggest that the statue is of an Olympian god, but it is difficult to determine which one. The two most common theories are that it is either Poseidon or Zeus. His musculature could be an identifying feature to either of the proposed gods. His stance, however, resembles that of Zeus. His outstretched arm makes him appear to be throwing a weapon. Poseidon’s typical weapon is a trident, but if the statue was holding a trident, in order for it to be being used as a weapon proportionately, the trident would be stabbing him in the back of the head. The reason why Zeus seems more plausible is because of his signature lightning bolt. The proportions of the statue suggest that whatever he is holding would be a small weapon such as a lightning bolt and not a lengthy one like a trident. I am hopeful that when I see it on-site in Athens at the National Museum that I can get a better sense of the statues nature and be able to make my own assumptions about which of the gods it is meant to represent.
Sources consulted:
http://ancientrome.ru/art/artwork/sculp/gr/bronze/bro036.jpg
Greek Art and Archaeology, Pedley. 2012
-Kait Hall
