Collaborative Aesthetic Guide
B.I.S. Erasmus+ project / International working group: 11
Thundering Zeus
Fact Sheet
Title: Thundering Zeus
Artist: Anonymus
Material: bronze
Height: 7,9x 6,12x 2,3
Period: 1st century Dc
Style: roman art
Description of the Artwork
This sculpture, found in modern time and then given to The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum by Mercedes Basabe, dates back to the first century DC. The author is anonymous. The figure, is in a "contrapposto" position, it's raising his hands, and with the right it's holding what seem to be sticks. His hair are tied up carefully, and this gives elegance to the object. The god is half-nude, only covered by a piece of clothing, to symbolize pureness. "Thundering Zeus" belongs to Greek art, mainly inspired by the pagan religion. Zeus, king of the Olympus and master of all the gods, is often represented in this period, as it is a symbol of power and strength. Or it could be a little statue in honor of the God; unfortunately the few sources can't define the actual purpose of the artwork.
Analyzing Beauty Canons
1. Gender: male
2. Body size/complexion: strong
3. Height: small
4. Clothing: half-naked
During this period the representation of a male had to give the idea of someone strong and full of power. Zeus, the ideal male, is in fact shown as authoritative through the technique of contrapposto.
Comparing Beauty Canons
In the male sculpted, the elegance of his movement and of his clothing and his hairstyle is clearly shown. Other than strength, in greek time regality was important to be represented in the king of Gods. Nowadays, strength is also looked for in a man, and the ideal male is elegant.
Analisi dei Canoni di Bellezza
1. Genere: maschile
2. Costituzione fisica: robusta
3. Altezza: bassa
4. Abbigliamento: seminudo
Durante questo periodo, la raffigurazione di un uomo doveva dare l'idea di un individuo forte e potente. Zeus, il maschio ideale, si mostra autoritario grazie alla posizione di contrapposto.
Confronto dei Canoni della Bellezza
Nell'uomo scolpito, ciò che più risalta è l'eleganza dei suoi gesti, della sua veste e della sua acconciatura. In età greca, era importante che il re degli dei dei fosse rappresentato con una certa regalità, oltre che attraverso la forza. Al giorno d'oggi, in un uomo si cerca un fisico robusto, e il maschio ideale è elegante.