The Remarkable Discovery of the Riace Bronzes
The Riace Bronzes, also known as the Riace Warriors, are two extraordinary full-size Greek bronze statues of bearded warriors. Cast around 460–450 BC, these sculptures were discovered in 1972 near Riace, Calabria, in southern Italy. Now housed in the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria, they are among the few surviving examples of ancient Greek bronze statues, which were often melted down in later times.
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Discovery of the Statues
The story of the Riace Bronzes’ discovery is somewhat contentious. One widely accepted theory credits Stefano Mariottini, a chemist from Rome, who found the statues while snorkeling near Monasterace. Diving about 200 meters from the coast of Riace at a depth of six to eight meters, Mariottini initially mistook the left arm of Statue A for a human body. Upon realizing it was bronze, he continued to uncover the statue and found another bronze figure nearby. He promptly reported the find to the cultural department in Reggio Calabria.
An alternate, less accepted theory suggests that four teenagers from Riace discovered the statues and reported their find to the government finances office in Monasterace. Regardless, one week later, on August 21, statue B was retrieved from the water, followed by statue A two days later. Although no associated shipwreck was found, the discovery site, a subsiding coast, did reveal other architectural remains.
Unveiling and Display
Although discovered in 1972, the Riace Bronzes did not emerge from conservation until 1981. Their public display in Florence and Rome that year was a cultural sensation in Italy, garnering cover stories in numerous magazines. Today, these statues are on display in a microclimate room atop an anti-seismic platform faced in Carrara marble. This room also houses two other significant sculptures from the 5th century BC: Testa del Filosofo and Testa di Basilea.
Description and Artistic Significance
Known as “Statue A” and “Statue B,” these sculptures were created using the lost wax casting technique. Statue A portrays a younger warrior, possibly Tydeus, standing 1.98 meters tall. Statue B, slightly taller at 1.99 meters, depicts a more mature warrior. These bronzes are prime examples of contrapposto, where the weight is on the back legs, adding realism and movement. Their musculature is detailed yet not overly incised, making them appear both powerful and lifelike. The eyes of Statue A are made of calcite, while the teeth are silver, and the lips and nipples are copper.
Theories and Controversies
In his 2008 book “Facce di Bronzo,” expert Giuseppe Braghò revealed that official records from 1972 noted the presence of a helmet, a shield, and a third bronze statue. These items were not recovered, leading to suspicions of theft and sale to collectors. The Italian TV show “Le Iene” investigated these claims in 2019, but Mariottini declined to comment.
Historical Context
During the 5th century BC, Calabria was part of Magna Graecia, inhabited by Greek-speaking peoples. The Riace Bronzes likely originated from this era, with Statue A created between 460 and 450 BC and Statue B between 430 and 420 BC. Some scholars attribute Statue A to Myron and Statue B to Alkamenes, a pupil of Phidias. These statues exemplify the transition from archaic Greek sculpture to the early Classical style, combining idealized forms with realistic details.
Possible Origins and Destinations
It is generally believed that the statues were en route on a ship that sank, although no wreck has been found. The bronzes might have been destined for a local site or transported to Italy following Roman conquests. Various theories suggest they could represent figures such as Tydeus and Amphiaraus from the Seven against Thebes, or Athenian warriors from Delphi.
Identification and Restoration
Scholars like Salvatore Settis and Vinzenz Brinkmann have proposed identifications, such as Erechtheus and Eumolpos, based on descriptions by Pausanias. In December 2009, the bronzes were moved to Palazzo Campanella in Reggio Calabria for restoration, which was completed in 2011 by experts Cosimo Schepis and Paola Donati.
Conclusion
The Riace Bronzes stand as major additions to the surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Their discovery and subsequent conservation have provided invaluable insights into Greek artistry and cultural heritage, making them symbols of Calabria and celebrated worldwide.
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