The original statue of the Discobolus was executed in bronze, and our reproduction is from one of several ancient copies in marble. In some of these the original head of the statue has been replaced by another, but the copy we see here has a fine, vigorous head. The English critic, Walter Pater,[28] describes the face "as smooth but spare, and tightly drawn over muscle and bone." He shows too how sympathetic the face is with the whole intention of the statue, "as the source of will."[29] [28] In the chapter on Athletic Prizemen, in _Greek Studies_. [29] This opinion is the more interesting because the face of the Discobolus is commonly criticised for "absence of emotional expression." See Furtwängler's _Masterpieces of Greek Sculpture_, p. 173. The sculptor of the Discobolus was Myron, who lived in the period between the Persian War and the middle of the fifth century. His work shows his fondness for movement, though many of his subjects did not permit him to indulge his taste. He made a specialty of figures of athletes, both commemorative portrait statues and typical figures. We do not know whether this statue represents an actual Olympic victor, or is a typical figure, like the Apoxyomenos. In any case it gives an excellent idea of the great influence exercised upon Greek life by the athletic games. XIII THE APHRODITE OF MELOS (VENUS OF MILO) By Greek tradition the fairest of the goddesses was Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. To her every lover paid his vows and every maiden prayed for charms. An old legend relates that she was born from the foam of the sea, hence the name Aphrodite, which means "foam-born." Among the Romans she was called Venus. At her birth the island of Cyprus received her. "Where the force Of gentle-breathing Zephyr steer'd her course Along the waves of the resounding sea, While yet unborn in that soft foam she lay That brought her forth." Here she emerged "a goddess in the charms of awful beauty." The Hours welcomed her eagerly, taking her in their arms and putting a crown of gold upon her head. As she went on her way, flowers grew in her path,-- "Where her delicate feet Had pressed the sands, green herbage flowering sprang."[30] [30] An account of the birth of Aphrodite is given in Hesiod's _Theogony_ and in the Homeric _Hymn to Venus_, and the quotations here are drawn from both sources.