A visit to Greece would never be complete if you do not take the time to explore the numerous exquisite remnants of the Old World. Certainly, Ancient Greek statues are one of the finest and best preserved examples of Greece from the olden days. Even better, taking the time to visit these beautiful and majestic sculptures will also present you with an opportunity to conduct a unique, enlightening, and fun tour of the Greek islands.
A Brief Introduction to Ancient Greek Statues :
The sculpture is one of the most essential components of Ancient Greek art. Their subjects have to do with the most famous rulers of their time as well as the stories of mythology and legends of battles that they hold most dear. There are also four important phases that make up the development of sculpture in those times, and these include the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.
The Most Famous Ancient Greek Statues
Many of today’s most famous Greek sculptures are unfortunately housed in museums all over the world, such as Venus de Milo and the Wings of Samothrace in the Louvre as well as the Laocoon and His Sons in one of the Vatican’s museums in Rome. Thankfully, there are still a few others – like the ones listed below – which have remained in the arms of its motherland.
National Archaeological Museum of Athens
- In this museum, you will be able to gaze at the bronze sculpture that fishermen had “caught” with their nets in 1928. Standing more than 2 meters tall, this sculpture is believed to depict either Zeus or Poseidon.
- Also present in this museum is the Marathon Youth, which was believed to have been sculpted in the 4th century BC and created by Praxiteles.
- The Statue of Hermes is another famous sculpture in this museum. It is believed to have been created by Pypsippos.
- The museum’s Jockey of Artemisionis also a popular attraction and is a bronze depiction of a mounted jockey. It is one of the best known examples of Hellenistic sculpture.
Delphi
Delphi is best known for its oracle in the ancient days. Today, however, this island is frequently visited by tourists so that they may visit the Charioteer of Delphi, which is housed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. It is believed to have been created circa 470 BC and one of the many Ancient Greek statues that Syracuse’s brother Polyzalos gifted to the Sanctuary of Apollo.
It is considered today as one of the most famous examples of Early Classical statues.
Olympia
Made of terracotta, the Greek sculpture of Zeus and Ganymede is believed to have been created circa 470 BC as well. You can enjoy a glimpse of this beautiful statue at the Olympia Archaeological Museum.
- Make sure to visit this museum so that you may have a look at the Moschophoros, which translates to the “Calf-Bearer” in English. It is believed to have been created around 570 BC in Athens.
- Another stunning statue worth a visit housed in this museum would be the Peploskore, which is believed to have been sculpted around 530 BC.
Of course, if you have more time to spare then do not limit yourself to the museums and regions listed here. There are so many more Ancient Greek statues lying in wait for you in the Greek islands. You just need to have a fine spirit of adventure to discover them!
