Final answer:
The Doryphoros or Spear Bearer is a Roman marble copy of a Greek bronze original by Polykleitos, epitomizing the Classical Greek sculpture style and showcasing the contrapposto stance. Polykleitos created this piece to demonstrate his Canon. The statue is part of the Roman embrace of Greek art, with copies often found in opulent Roman villas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Doryphoros
The Doryphoros, also known as the Spear Bearer, is a Roman marble copy of a lost Greek bronze original sculpture that was crafted around 450-440 BCE. The piece was made by Polykleitos, a renowned Greek sculptor and art theorist. His work, including the Doryphoros, set the standard for what is recognized as the Classical Greek sculpture.
The Doryphoros is significant because it demonstrates the Canon of Polykleitos, which was his set of sculptural proportions intended to portray the perfect male athlete. This statue is famous for embodying the contrapposto stance, where the weight is shifted onto one leg, giving the figure a sense of dynamism and realism. Although the sculpture shows the flexibility and liveliness achieved through the use of contrapposto, it still retains the severe style and expressionless face that characterize early Greek sculpture.
Greek art gained popularity among the Romans, especially after they began conquering Greek cities. Works like Doryphoros were highly sought after, prompting the creation of numerous Roman copies for the villas of wealthy citizens. The marble Doryphoros that stands in the Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy is one such Roman copy, believed to have been found in Pompeii.