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In Ancient Greek art and sculpture, the human body was frequently depicted in a idealized and naturalistic manner. This can be seen in the many statues and friezes that have survived from this period, which show muscular and athletic figures with well-defined muscles and proportionate bodies.
One crucial concept related to the representation of the human body in Ancient Greek art is the idea of the "canon," or set of rules and guidelines governing the creation of harmonious and balanced forms. Perhaps the most famous proponent of this approach was the sculptor Polykleitos, who wrote a treatise called the Canon outlining his theories about proportion and symmetry in the human body. According to Polykleitos, the ideal male figure could be mathematically derived using specific ratios and measurements, creating a perfectly balanced and harmonious form. He famously applied this principle in his statue of the spear-bearer, or Doryphorus, which became a model for later generations of artists seeking to replicate the classical ideal.
The emphasis on physical perfection reflected the Greeks’ belief in the importance of balance, harmony, and order in both the human form and the wider world. Moreover, the nude male figure was often used to represent heroism, godliness, and moral virtues, reflecting the cultural values of the time. For instance, the statue of the Discobolus by Myron exemplifies the perfect combination of strength, agility, and grace, while the Parthenon marbles depict various gods and heroes with superhuman beauty and power. These representations not only served as aesthetic ideals but also embodied the philosophical and ethical principles of Ancient Greece, such as the pursuit of excellence, self-control, and honor.