The most famous Poseidon statue is the Artemision Bronze, a life-size Greek bronze from around 460 BC, recovered from a shipwreck off Cape Artemision. It depicts the god striding forward, right arm raised to hurl a trident (now lost), and it is one of the few original large-scale bronzes to survive from Classical Greece.
Who Was Poseidon in Greek Mythology?
Poseidon was the Olympian god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. He was one of the twelve Olympians, son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, and brother of Zeus and Hades. In the standard division of the cosmos after the Titanomachy, Zeus took the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea. In Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, he is a powerful, moody deity who holds grudges—most famously against Odysseus, whom he torments for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus. His Roman equivalent was Neptune.
Poseidon was also associated with horses, often called Poseidon Hippios. Myth says he created the first horse when he struck the ground with his trident, though the exact story varies by region. He was worshipped widely across the Greek world, especially in coastal cities like Corinth, Athens (where he lost a contest for patronage to Athena), and on the island of Rhodes.
The Artemision Bronze: The Iconic Poseidon Statue
The Artemision Bronze is the most widely reproduced and studied Poseidon statue. It was discovered in 1926–1928 in a shipwreck off Cape Artemision in northern Euboea, Greece. The statue stands about 2.09 meters (6 ft 10 in) tall, slightly over life-size, and is now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Scholars date it to about 460 BC, the Early Classical period. The figure is shown in a dynamic, striding pose, with the left leg forward and the right arm raised. The left hand likely held a trident, though some argue it could be Zeus holding a thunderbolt. Most experts identify it as Poseidon because the stride and raised arm suit a trident throw better than a thunderbolt, which is usually held overhead. The statue is hollow-cast in bronze using the lost-wax method, a technique that allowed for detailed musculature and a naturalistic contrapposto stance.
The original trident is missing, and the eyes were probably inlaid with glass or stone, now lost. The statue’s survival is remarkable—most large bronzes were melted down in antiquity for metal. The Artemision Bronze is one of only a handful of original Greek bronzes to survive, alongside the Riace Bronzes and the Delphi Charioteer.
Other Famous Poseidon Statues
Several other notable statues of Poseidon exist, both ancient and modern:
- The Poseidon of Melos – A Hellenistic marble statue from the island of Melos, now in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. It shows the god standing with a trident, and is less dynamic than the Artemision Bronze.
- The Lateran Poseidon – A Roman copy of a Greek original, now in the Vatican Museums. It depicts Poseidon standing with a trident and a dolphin, a common Roman adaptation.
- The Neptune Fountain in Florence – A 16th-century fountain by Bartolomeo Ammannati, featuring a marble Neptune with a trident, surrounded by sea gods and nymphs. It was commissioned to celebrate the Medici family.
- The Copenhagen Little Mermaid statue – Not Poseidon, but often confused in searches; it is a 1913 bronze of a mermaid, unrelated to the god.
Modern replicas of the Artemision Bronze are common in museums and public spaces worldwide, often used as symbols of maritime power or classical heritage.
How to Identify a Poseidon Statue
Poseidon statues typically share several attributes that distinguish them from other gods:
- Trident – His main attribute, a three-pronged spear. If a statue holds a trident, it is almost certainly Poseidon (or Neptune).
- Beard and mature features – Unlike Apollo, who is youthful, Poseidon is usually depicted as a mature, bearded man, similar to Zeus.
- Striding or standing pose – Often shown in motion, as if about to strike the ground or sea.
- Marine elements – Dolphins, fish, or sea creatures may accompany him, especially in Roman copies.
- Bare chest – Usually nude or semi-draped, with a himation (cloak) draped over one shoulder.
If a statue lacks a trident, it can be difficult to tell Poseidon from Zeus, as both are bearded and powerful. The Artemision Bronze is the classic example of this ambiguity.
Materials and Techniques in Ancient Statues
Ancient Greek statues of Poseidon were made in two main materials: bronze and marble. Bronze was favored for its strength and ability to capture dynamic poses, but it was expensive and often melted down. Marble was cheaper and more common, but it was usually painted in antiquity—though the paint has worn off over time.
Bronze statues were cast using the lost-wax method. A clay model was covered in wax, then a mold, and the wax was melted out, leaving a cavity for molten bronze. This allowed for hollow casting, which reduced weight and material cost. The Artemision Bronze is a prime example of this technique.
Marble statues were carved from a single block, often using a point-to-point copying method from a plaster model. Roman copies of Greek originals were usually made in marble, which is why many “Greek” statues we see today are actually Roman copies.
Where to See Poseidon Statues Today
If you want to see a Poseidon statue in person, the best collections are:
- National Archaeological Museum, Athens – Home to the Artemision Bronze and the Poseidon of Melos.
- Vatican Museums, Rome – The Lateran Poseidon and other Roman copies.
- Louvre, Paris – Several Roman copies of Poseidon/Neptune.
- British Museum, London – Has a few depictions, though less famous.
- Florence, Italy – The Neptune Fountain in Piazza della Signoria.
Many museums also have plaster casts of the Artemision Bronze, which are used for educational purposes.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that the Artemision Bronze is definitely Poseidon. In fact, some scholars still argue it could be Zeus. The identification hinges on the angle of the arm and the missing attribute. If the arm was raised higher, it would suit a thunderbolt; if lower, a trident. The current consensus leans toward Poseidon, but it is not absolute.
Another misconception is that all Greek statues were white. In reality, they were painted in bright colors, which have faded over time. The Artemision Bronze would have had inlaid eyes and possibly a painted trident.
Finally, people often confuse Poseidon with Triton, his son, who is half-man, half-fish. Triton is a minor sea god, not the same as Poseidon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artemision Bronze definitely Poseidon?
Most experts believe it is Poseidon, but a minority argue it could be Zeus. The deciding factor is the arm position, which suits a trident throw better than a thunderbolt. The statue is usually labeled as Poseidon in museums and literature, but the debate is ongoing.
Why is the trident missing from the Artemision Bronze?
The trident was likely made of a separate material, perhaps bronze or wood, and would have been attached to the raised hand. It was lost over time, either in the shipwreck or during recovery. The statue’s hand is open, indicating it once held a shaft.
What is the difference between Poseidon and Neptune statues?
Poseidon is the Greek god, Neptune is the Roman equivalent. Roman statues of Neptune are often copies of Greek originals, but they may include more Roman attributes like a dolphin or a ship’s prow. In terms of appearance, they are nearly identical—bearded, mature, with a trident.
Are there any modern Poseidon statues?
Yes, many modern cities have Poseidon or Neptune statues, often in fountains or harbors. For example, the Neptune Fountain in Bologna, Italy, and the Poseidon statue in Copenhagen harbor (though that is actually a mermaid). Modern replicas of the Artemision Bronze are also common.
Why are so many ancient Greek statues headless?
Many statues lost their heads due to breakage during earthquakes, wars, or burial. The head is often the weakest point, and when a statue falls, the head may snap off. Some were also deliberately decapitated by early Christians who saw them as pagan idols.
Can I buy a replica of the Artemision Bronze?
Yes, museum replicas are widely available online and in museum gift shops. They range from small desk figurines to full-size garden statues. Quality varies, so look for ones made from resin or bronze with good detail.
Related
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- Athena Mythology Powers: Wisdom, War & Craft
- Poseidon Domain in Greek Mythology
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