Kyme Runner- IV
This life-size statue is known as the “Kyme Runner” and was found off the Aegean cost of Anatolia Minor, near Kyme. The Runner echoes a famous high classical statue, Myron’s Ladas, which inspired numerous epigrams praising its swiftness but has not survived, even in replica.
The statue was anchored to its base only by a dowel through the ball of its right foot: a technical feat requiring careful advance calculation of its center of gravity. Its left hand held a cylindrical object, perhaps a torch; its inlaid eyes are missing.
Somewhat awkwardly composed and schematically muscled, he is remarkable for the startlingly individual features of the face characterized by long nose, wide mouth, and slightly receding chin. It is evidently a portrait. Incongruously, he wears a victor’s crown, even though he is still running.
The face’s individuality and hairstyle suggest a late Hellenistic, or even a late republican or early imperial Roman date.
Late Hellenistic bronze statue
Height 153 cm
Last first century BC
From Aegean See off Kyme
Izmir, Archaeological Museum
Kyme Runner- IV
This life-size statue is known as the “Kyme Runner” and was found off the Aegean cost of Anatolia Minor, near Kyme. The Runner echoes a famous high classical statue, Myron’s Ladas, which inspired numerous epigrams praising its swiftness but has not survived, even in replica.
The statue was anchored to its base only by a dowel through the ball of its right foot: a technical feat requiring careful advance calculation of its center of gravity. Its left hand held a cylindrical object, perhaps a torch; its inlaid eyes are missing.
Somewhat awkwardly composed and schematically muscled, he is remarkable for the startlingly individual features of the face characterized by long nose, wide mouth, and slightly receding chin. It is evidently a portrait. Incongruously, he wears a victor’s crown, even though he is still running.
The face’s individuality and hairstyle suggest a late Hellenistic, or even a late republican or early imperial Roman date.
Late Hellenistic bronze statue
Height 153 cm
Last first century BC
From Aegean See off Kyme
Izmir, Archaeological Museum