The evolution of the plastic representation of martial artists in ancient Greek sculpture from Archaic to Hellenistic periods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15391/ed.2026-1.02Keywords:
martial arts, ancient Greek sculpture, athletes-martial artists, Olympic Games, art history, archaic, classical, Hellenism, pankration, fist fightingAbstract
Purpose: based on an analysis of scientific sources, to investigate the depiction of martial artists in ancient sculpture from the Archaic period to the late Classical period. Materials and methods. The following methods were used to solve the research tasks: historical and cultural – to study changes in the ways of depicting martial arts in different periods; comparative analysis – to identify common features and differences in the depiction of athletes; iconographic analysis – to analyze the symbolism and images in sculptures related to sports, specifically wrestling, and to identify mythological, religious, or allegorical meanings; formal analysis – to study the artistic features of sculptures (composition, dynamics, technical techniques). Results: the article examines the evolution of the depiction of martial arts in ancient Greek sculpture, from the Archaic period to the Hellenistic era. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the plasticity and dynamics of images of martial artists, as well as their symbolic meaning. It is determined that the development of sculptural forms is closely related to the philosophical and aesthetic views of ancient society. The Olympic Games are an important stimulus for the creation of statues of victorious athletes, who become symbols of physical and moral perfection. Different periods of sculpture development, such as Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic, are characterized by unique stylistic approaches to depicting movement and proportions of the human body. From the static poses of the archaic period to the complex compositions of Hellenism, sculpture demonstrates progress in understanding and conveying the physical aspects of the human figure. In particular, the work analyzes the sculptures of outstanding masters such as Myron and Polykleitos, their contributions to the creation of canons of beauty and proportion. In addition, the influence of Roman copies on the preservation of ancient Greek art ideas is considered. In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the evolution of martial arts in sculpture as a manifestation of the cultural and aesthetic development of ancient Greek civilization. Conclusions. As a result of studying the evolution of the depiction of athletes in ancient Greek sculpture, it was established that the images not only reflected physical perfection but also served as symbols of the cultural ideals of ancient society. Sculptures of Olympians from the Archaic period to Hellenism demonstrate a gradual improvement in techniques and stylistic devices that emphasize the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of wrestling. An interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of sculptures, in particular the integration of archaeological data and historical documents, provides a deeper understanding of the context in which these works were created and their significance in the culture of Ancient Greece. The study of archaeological finds and the history of sport helps to reveal the connection between competitive activity and art, emphasizing the importance of martial arts as a cultural phenomenon.
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