Charioteer

The statue was discovered in 1979 on Motya, a small island off the coast of Sicily. Although the Greek fifth century work has been called a representation of the god Apollo, most agree it is a sculpture of a victorious charioteer, once crowned with a marble wreath.  One scholar says that the face and genitals were damaged on purpose.  I am glad the rest survived mutilation to astonish us with virile beauty.  Agon is the Greek name for an athletic contest or struggle.  The charioteer has survived the agony of the games.

I have a picture of him tacked up above my desk.  My serene pin-up.