Fine Arts
The Marble Statue of a Wounded Warrior is a Roman statue from A.D. 138-181; it is a copy of a Greek statue that was cast around 460-450 B.C. The subject matter of this statue is a warrior in the midst of battle and as the name indicates the warrior is wounded despite the subject not appearing wounded at first glance. The ancient Greek statue depicts a Greek war hero in a contrapposto position caught in a stance of action – the way he is immortalized in the statue directly correlates with Ancient Greek art of its time period and the belief that human body features should be idealized. By evaluating several elements we will be able to see how the Ancient Greek’s act of idolizing the warrior’s physical features is further illustrated in our modern day portrayal of the statue. We will review such things as the statue itself, the history of which it originates from, and the modern day depiction of the statue as viewed from the analysis of the museum’s placement and description of the work of art.
As one walks into the corridor where the Wounded Warrior stands, his presence is immediately felt. The frame of reference for us as the viewers is pre-determined. The statue seems to be on a downward slope, his body is at a slight angle where his left foot stands in front of a bent right foot with his head looking down. As we grow closer to the statue, our position in correlation to him is inferior – we are meant to be looking up at him and, as the original probably would have had, his spear and shield as well. This placement gives the warrior his power – his immortality, he stands upon a pedestal and rather than look defeated or truly wounded, he appears strong and masculine in his looming stance.
The Wounded Warrior at first glance looks strong and may even appear threatening if his weapons were returned to him, but after further scrutinizing and a full