The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
But that which is by far the most worthy of our admiration, is the
colossal statue of the Sun, which stood formerly at Rhodes, and was the
work of Chares the Lindian, a pupil of the above-named Lysippus;[1323]
no less than seventy cubits in height. This statue, fifty-six years
after it was erected, was thrown down by an earthquake; but even as it
lies, it excites our wonder and admiration.[1324] Few men can clasp
the thumb in their arms, and its fingers are larger than most statues.
Where the limbs are broken asunder, vast caverns are seen yawning in
the interior. Within it, too, are to be seen large masses of rock, by
the weight of which the artist steadied it while erecting it. It is
said that it was twelve years before this statue was completed, and
that three hundred talents were expended upon it; a sum raised from the
engines of warfare which had been abandoned by King Demetrius,[1325]
when tired of the long-protracted siege of Rhodes. In the same city
there are other colossal statues, one hundred in number; but though
smaller than the one already mentioned, wherever erected, they would,
any one of them, have ennobled the place. In addition to these, there
are five colossal statues of the gods, which were made by Bryaxis.[1326]
Colossal statues used also to be made in Italy. At all events, we see
the Tuscan Apollo, in the library of the Temple of Augustus,[1327]
fifty feet in height from the toe; and it is a question whether it is
more remarkable for the quality of the metal, or for the beauty of the
workmanship. Spurius Carvilius also erected the statue of Jupiter which
is seen in the Capitol, after he had conquered the Samnites,[1328] who
fought in obedience to a most solemn oath; it being formed out of their
breast-plates, greaves, and helmets, and of such large dimensions that
it may be seen from the statue of Jupiter Latiaris.[1329] He made his
own statue, which is at the feet of the other one, out of the filings
of the metal. There are also, in the Capitol, two heads which are very
much admired, and which were dedicated by the Consul P. Lentulus, one
of them executed by the above-mentioned Chares,[1330] the other by
Decius;[1331] but this last is so greatly excelled by the former, as
to have all the appearance of being the work of one of the poorest of
artists.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account