I know what you might be thinking, “yet another Olympics post from Adam?! I just got one of those!” But I’d be remiss not to talk about the rich visual culture of the Olympic games on Artfully Exercising.
Since the dawn of the multi-sport competition in Ancient Greece, the Olympics have been documented and bolstered by works of art.
A visit to the Greek and Roman wing of any art museum reveals how important the Olympics (and sports in general) were in Greco-Roman society. Olympians are depicted in artworks competing in running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, wrestling, pankration (an ancient combat form, similar to today’s Mixed Martial Arts discipline) and equestrian events.
The most successful athletes of antiquity were revered on a public level, similar to how athletes are portrayed today. Being the subject of a work of art helped elevate their status and likeness within their city state and all over the ancient Greek world.
The lyrical poet Pindar wrote fourteen odes to Olympic victors, each mentioning the name of a particular athlete. For example, renowned champion boxer, Diagoras of Rhodes had his triumphs sung in Pindar’s Olympian 7 (written in 464 BC).
Art also had an important role in illuminating the mythical origins of the first Olympics. Athletes were motivated by the legendary feats of the Greek gods, which were expressed in works of art (literature, visual art, performance and music).
The first games were held at Olympia, and many of the Greek gods and heroes competed. According to legend, Zeus wrestled his father, Kronos, for the ultimate prize of the throne to Olympus. The fleet-footed Apollo beat the speedy Hermes in a race, and Herakles, the founder of the Olympics, was an undisputed champion in wrestling and pankration.
Artworks paid tribute to the athletic prowess of the Olympian gods, and also served as inspiration for mortal athletes, such as wrestling champion Milo of Croton, who styled himself after Herakles by wearing a lion skin, which was a signifying attribute of the mythical hero (Belis, 2021).
During the early to mid-twentieth century, visual art was valued so much that artists received medals at the Olympic games. From 1912 through 1952, fifty-one medals were awarded for paintings, sculptures, architecture, literature and music. To earn an esteemed medal, the work of art had to incorporate sports as its theme.
Nowadays, art still plays a crucial role at the games. Instead of receiving medals, artists are commissioned to make works of art that embrace concepts central to the Olympics, such as the celebration of culture and fitness.
This year’s opening ceremony featured references to ancient Greek culture and classic works of French art. An obvious outcome for an Olympics held in Paris, France. Many spectators recognized a bacchanalian performance by singer Philippe Katerine et al, as an homage to the Feast of Dionysus. However, others misinterpreted this as a scene depicting Jesus Christ’s Last Supper. The latter group was offended by what they deemed to be a “blasphemous mockery of Christianity.” Evidently, ancient Greek contributions such as critical thinking are lost on them.
My own series of fitness-themed art draws inspiration from Greek and Roman sculpture and mythology. The reference to Greco-Roman art reflects the late nineteenth century zeitgeist of the “Grecian Ideal,” wherein bodybuilders revisited the physical attributes of ancient Greek and Roman artwork (which notably had robust abdominal muscles), in order to devise a formula for obtaining the "perfect physique.” My connection to this concept is indicative of my journey to experience an ideal mind and body equilibrium. As I’ve often noted, fitness has helped me feel better on a physical and psychological level.
The latest piece in my series is Winged Victory (Just do it?!). The title and aesthetic composition is a reference to the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or the Nike of Samothrace, a Greek votive sculpture from the Hellenistic era. The goddess, Niké, personifies victory in all disciplines, including art and athletics. She’s where the fitness brand Nike got their logo from. The iconic Nike “swoosh” emblem resembles Nike’s wings in motion. The goddess Nike’s prowess and the brand Nike’s motto, “Just do it,” are indicative of my push towards a better mind and body. By harnessing the power of assertive thinking and doing, I feel like a winner.
References, Notes, Suggested Reading:
Belis, Alexis. “The Ancient Olympics and Other Athletic Games,” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 23 July 2021. https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2021/7/ancient-greek-olympic-games
Pindar, "Olympian 7," Perseus Digital Library. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0162%3Abook%3DO.%3Apoem%3D7
If you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber, you can support my work with a one time pledge of support at a monetary value of your choice:
Thanks for reading Artfully Exercising!
Show me some ❤️
I’d be grateful if you’d take a moment to hit the “heart icon” on this post to show your appreciation (and boost this post within the algorithmic sea that is social media).
Let’s continue the conversation 💬
If what I’ve written resonates with you, and/or you want to share your thoughts, please leave me a comment! One of the most rewarding things about writing is getting feedback and making connections with others!
Winged Victory is a testament to your artistic side!