Dying Gladiator - Musee du Louvre

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The first version, reality capture from 46 photos The reworked version is here: https://skfb.ly/6MSU9 A mortally wounded gladiator, facing death with grace and dignity, is contemplating the laurel crown he was awarded for his courage. Julien’s nude gladiator demonstrates his complete mastery of anatomy, and also drapery at the rear of the statue. But it was the sculptor’s personal contribution which imbues the work with its sensitivity: the elegant proportions, unctuous modelling and delicate execution (the finesse of the hands, laurel leaves and strands of hair), the marble’s perfect finish and the rendering of textures (the polish of the shield and sword suggest their metallic brilliance). Julien was exalting the heroism of a man overcoming his pain and stoically dying in silence. The balanced composition, dignified pose, discreet chest wound and restrained expression are formal echoes of this heroic serenity.