This plaque which measures 8 inches horizontally and 10 inches vertically, commemorates the Spartan king Leonidas who died with his 300 Spartiates at the battlefield of Thermopylae (Hot Gates). This image is of the statue of King Leonidas which currently is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta.Would you like to see more images of King Leonidas and I'm curious as to hear what you think of this one?
6 comments:
I like the image on the plaque very much. It shows his physical strength as well as his strength of presence. The statue is a bit harder to see that through the damage. I'd love to see more if they are available. Do you think Frank Miller used this image to create his rendering of the King?
Sadieanne (GB.net)
I like the plaque a lot, but the bust of Leonidas is not in very good shape, it does look very ancient. Were breast plates worn? I would like to see more images of King Leonidas. I think Miller is basing his images on the painting by David.
G'day dragon slayer~
The Spartans did wear a breastplate which was known as a cuirass, similar to the one worn on the bust of King Leonidas in the musuem located in Sparta. I'm afraid it does look a little damaged, however, I hope I look as good when I'm over 2,000 years old!
Cheers,
John
G'day Sadieanne~
I've also wondered what source Frank Miller used as his inspiration for King Leonidas! Did he base it on Jacques-Louis David's painting, was it the bust of Leonidas located in the museum of Sparta, or Richard Egan for that matter, who portrayed the king in 'The 300 Spartans', or perhaps even a composite of all three? Nevertheless, it is a great representation of this legendary Spartan warrior!
Cheers,
John
I think he was inspired by a famous statue of Zeus the Thunderer
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/revue.shakti/zeus.jpg
G'day Kryptes~
I very much see the resemblance of King Leonidas as drawn by Frank Miller to the statue of Zeus.
Thank you,
John
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