Unidentified Roman sculptor and Naukydes, Cast of the Standing Discobolus

Cast of the Standing Discobolus, ?1872

Unidentified Roman sculptor and Naukydes

RA Collection: Art

According to Pliny in his Natural History, the Greek sculptor Naukydes (fl. c 420-390BC) made a Discobolos, and this statue has long been associated with Roman copies representing an athlete preparing to throw a discus. Unlike the famous all-action discus thrower by Myron, here the athlete is preparing for his throw, while a knotty tree trunk rises behind him.



This cast is of a Roman copy of an Attic original sculpture, which was found in the ruins of a Roman villa on the Appian Way by Gavin Hamilton in 1792. The original has been atributed to Naukydes and dated 420-400 BC and is in the Vatican Collection. The head does not belong with the body, but was found with it.

Object details

Title
Cast of the Standing Discobolus
After
Cast made by
From
Original in the Vatican Museum
Date
?1872
Object type
Sculpture Cast
Medium
Plaster cast
Dimensions

1919 mm x 930 mm x 510 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
03/1477
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