57. Statue of Zeus or Poseidon, bottom of the sea off

Cape Artemision, in north Euboea, Greek, Severe style,

c. 460 B.C.E. Bronze, height: 209 cm.

National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

 

 

Discovered off the coast of Cape Artemision in 1926, this statue (which is also referred to as the Artemision Bronze) is the subject of much speculation and debate, specifically, about whether the statue represents Zeus or Poseidon. The source of the confusion surrounds whether the missing object in the statue’s right hand is a trident (indicating Poseidon) or a lightening bolt (indicating Zeus).

 

Though it was found in the sea, and the pose is similar to that which is found on the Poseidonia coins, many scholars note that a trident would obscure the best view of the statue – its profile – and thus, it is more likely that the statue is a portrayal of Zeus, especially when one considers the numerous smaller bronzes which have been found wielding lightening bolts in the same fearsome pose.