Apoxyomenos

Definition

Apoxyomenos refers to a type of ancient Greek sculpture representing an athlete scraping sweat and dirt from his body after a competition, usually with a strigil. This term connects to the transition in Greek art during the Late Classical period, reflecting a shift toward increased realism and emotional expression in the human form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The most famous example of an apoxyomenos is the statue created by Lysippos, which exemplifies his innovative approach to proportions and realism.
2. The figure typically depicts a young male athlete in a moment of post-exercise relaxation, highlighting the importance of physical fitness in ancient Greek culture.
3. Apoxyomenos sculptures were not only artistic expressions but also served as symbols of athletic achievement and the celebration of the human body.
4. Lysippos' version introduced a new perspective by portraying the figure in a more dynamic pose, inviting viewers to engage with the sculpture from multiple angles.
5. The apoxyomenos style influenced later generations of sculptors, impacting how athleticism and human anatomy were represented in subsequent artworks.

Review Questions

• How does the apoxyomenos reflect the artistic innovations introduced by Lysippos during the Late Classical period?
  • The apoxyomenos showcases Lysippos' innovations by demonstrating a new canon of proportions that emphasized elongated forms and dynamic poses. This sculpture captures an athlete in a moment of self-care, highlighting not only physical beauty but also a sense of realism and individuality. By portraying the figure with a strigil, it also emphasizes the cultural significance of athletics in ancient Greek society.
• Discuss the role of the strigil in the context of the apoxyomenos and its broader implications for ancient Greek athletic practices.
  • The strigil plays a critical role in the apoxyomenos as it symbolizes both hygiene and the ritualistic aspects of athletic competitions in ancient Greece. Athletes used it after events to clean themselves, reflecting their dedication to physical fitness and presentation. This practice emphasizes the cultural value placed on athletic prowess and personal grooming in ancient Greek society, connecting physical health with moral virtue.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of athletes in apoxyomenos sculptures demonstrates broader cultural values in ancient Greece regarding competition and physicality.
  • The portrayal of athletes in apoxyomenos sculptures illustrates ancient Greek cultural values that celebrated competition, beauty, and physical excellence. By depicting athletes in moments of vulnerability after exertion, these sculptures highlight both the dedication required for success and the honor associated with athletic achievements. This duality reflects a society that revered not only strength but also the discipline and care necessary to maintain one's body as an idealized form, merging artistry with cultural ideals surrounding health and competition.

Related terms

Lysippos: A prominent Greek sculptor known for creating a new canon of proportions that emphasized a more slender and elongated figure compared to earlier styles.

Strigil: A curved instrument used in ancient Greece by athletes to scrape oil, sweat, and dirt off their bodies after exercising or competing.

Contrapposto: A pose in sculpture where the weight of the body is shifted onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamism and naturalism, often seen in works from the Classical period.