Who Is Hermes Kriophoros?

• Name of exhibit: Greek Sculptures in 5th Century B.C.E.

• Artifact 1: Hermes Kriophoros, or the Ram Bearer, is a Greek bronze statuette belongs to the period of about 510-490 B.C.E. The statue represents bearded Hermes holding a ram in his left arm, both are carved in great detail. He is wearing a typical short, belted Greek tunic and a small-brimmed hat. The wing on his right foot was lost but the left one is still intact with detailed curves. It seems that the sculpture used to hold a herald’s staff of the Olympian messenger in his right hand. (http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/hermes-kriophoros-ram-bearer-152668)

• Artifact 2: Fallen Warrior from Temple of Aphaia is a statue of a dying Greek warrior dating from about 480-470 B.C.E. It portrays a mighty hero fighting to the last breath in a battle, which is the traditional Greek concept of tragedy, bravery and loyalty. Even without many details, his figure and muscles are well depicted and his facial expression is remarkably lively and realistic. (http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2014/aug/14/top-10-ancient-greek-artworks-jonathan-jones)

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and 430-420 B.C.E. They were named after Riace, the place near which they were found in 1972. The two statues are naked, bearded men standing in similar posture and seemingly holding shields and spears. They are speculated to be either warriors of the polis or Athenian warriors from Delphi or those from Olympia. The portrayal of these sculptures is more detailed, lively and realistic than that of the archaic style, suggesting that they belong to the transition period of Greek sculpture from archaic to classical style.