Polyclitus

Polyclitus was a renowned ancient Greek sculptor from Argos, active in the 5th century BCE. He is best known for his work in bronze and marble, particularly for his ability to convey the ideal human form through proportion and contrapposto. Polyclitus was also an influential theorist; he authored the treatise 'Kanôn', which outlined his principles of symmetry and proportion in sculptural design. His most famous statue, the Doryphoros (or Spear-Bearer), exemplifies these principles and has become a key reference point in discussions of classical proportion. Believing in the idea of 'symmetria', or harmony, Polyclitus’s influence stretched beyond his lifetime, impacting the works of later Roman artists and the Renaissance masters who sought to revive classical ideals. His sculptures were celebrated for their realistic human forms and depicted figures that balanced aesthetics with anatomical precision. Although few original works survive, copies and descriptions reveal his significant contributions to the art of sculpture.