The Artemision Bronze at The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece

Created in the beginning of the Classical Period of Greek sculpture (ca. 480–300 BCE), this elegant and balanced figure is the embodiment of beauty, control, and strength. Thought to represent the mightiest of the Olympian gods, Zeus (or less likely Poseidon), this monumental bronze sculpture was found in two pieces at the bottom of the sea off the Cape of Artemision in the 1920s. Zeus is shown in full heroic nudity with his left arm and foot thrust dynamically forward in the direction of his foes, while his right leg and arm are raised and slightly bent, implying movement. Zeus is the militant protector ready for action and would have originally been holding a thunderbolt (or trident, in the case of Poseidon). Meant to be seen from one ideal vantage point—standing facing the vast and muscular torso—this three-dimensional figure demonstrates complete mastery of anatomy. From the intense expression on his face, the bulging veins of his feet, and the variegated transitions between muscles, Zeus appears to be rendered from a human model. However, on closer examination, it is clear that aspects have been simplified and proportions expanded to give the figure the exemplary body worthy of his divine status. The sculpture, which presents its subject as superhuman rather than suprahuman, is in keeping with the Greek conception of gods as immortal and immensely powerful, yet subject to the personality flaws and unpredictable emotions of mortal beings. The Greek word for image, agalma, means "delight," and a sculpture like this would have been created for the delight of not only Greek citizens, but also the gods. This statue was probably created as a votive for a temple dedicated to Zeus. In presenting such works as offerings, the Greeks attempted to appease their gods, earning divine assistance or favor in return. This object is part of Scan The World. Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email [e-mail] to find out how you can help.这件创作于希腊雕塑古典时期初期（约公元前480年至公元前300年）的优雅均衡的雕塑形象，乃是美、克制与力量的完美化身。 这件巨型青铜雕塑被认为是奥林匹斯众神中最具神威者宙斯（Zeus），亦有可能为波塞冬（Poseidon），但后者的可能性较低，该作品于20世纪20年代在阿尔忒弥斯角外的海底被分两部分发掘出土。 宙斯以全裸的英雄姿态现身，左臂与左脚有力前伸，直指敌方方向，右腿与右臂则抬起并微曲，尽显动感。他是时刻备战的勇武守护者，原本应手持雷霆（若为波塞冬则持三叉戟。 该立体作品专为最佳观赏视角而设计——即正对其宽阔壮硕的躯干而立——完美展现了创作者对人体解剖学的精湛掌握。从面部凝重的神情、足部凸起的血管，以及肌肉间层次丰富的过渡变化，可见创作者是以真人模特为参照进行创作。但细究之下，不难发现部分细节经过简化，比例亦被调整放大，以赋予形象契合其神性地位的典范躯体。 这件作品将神祇塑造为超凡而非超绝的存在，契合古希腊人对众神的认知：众神不朽且威能无边，却也拥有凡人般的性格缺陷与不可捉摸的情绪。 希腊语中表示“形象”的词汇“agalma”意为“愉悦”，这类雕塑不仅为希腊民众带来愉悦，亦为众神所享。这件雕像原本应是献给宙斯神庙的还愿祭品。希腊人献上这类作品以安抚众神，以期获得神佑与眷顾。 该藏品隶属于Scan The World计划。Scan The World是MyMiniFactory推出的非营利性项目，旨在打造全球范围内可免费公开获取的、支持全3D打印的雕塑、艺术品与地标建筑的数字档案库。该计划为开源社区项目，若您身边有有趣的藏品并希望参与贡献，可发送邮件至[e-mail]了解参与方式。