The statue of Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, supposedly created by Praxiteles, was discovered on May 8, 1877, but its influential presence makes it a timeless piece of Hellenism, and later, western culture itself, according to greekreporter.com.
It is seen as the epitome of the perfect image of youthful gods in Greek art.
The statue, known as the Hermes of Praxiteles, or the Hermes of Olympia, was found in the ruins of the Temple of Hera, in Olympia, Greece. The priceless artwork is displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
The marble sculpture is dated back to the fourth century BC, according to a remark recorded by the second-century Greek traveler Pausanias.
Its style defined what is known as the “Praxitelean Style,” although art historians doubt it was indeed created by Praxiteles because there are no identified
A German archaeological excavation of the Temple area, led by Ernst Curtius, was started in 1875 after an agreement was made with the Greek government.
On May 8, 1877, in the Temple of Hera, archaeologist Gustav Hirschfeld unveiled the main parts of a statue of a young man resting against a tree trunk, covered by a mantle. It was in an excellent state of preservation.
It took a great deal more effort, and six additional discoveries, to uncover the rest of the parts of the statue as it is displayed currently.
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