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Colossus of Rhodes, 17th-century artwork C016 / 8937
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Colossus of Rhodes, 17th-century artwork C016 / 8937
Colossus of Rhodes. 17th-century artwork of the monumental statue of the Greek sun god Helios erected in the 3rd century BC on the Greek island of Rhodes. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed from iron and bronze, it was over 30 metres high. It was built to commemorate the failure of the Siege of Rhodes (ended 304 BC). The architect was Chares of Lindos, named at lower left and described as a pupil (disciple) of Lysippos (lower right). The Colossus was destroyed in an earthquake in 226 BC. Artwork from Turris Babel (1679) by German Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher (circa 1601-1680)
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Media ID 9244893
© ASIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN DIVISION/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1600s 1679 17th Century 3rd Century Bc Aegean Sea Ancient Greece Antiquity Architectural Architecture Athanasius Kircher Classical Engineering German Greece Harbour Island Jesuit Mediterranean Sea Memorial Monument Rhodes Sail Sailing Ship Statue Titan Colossus Colossus Of Rhodes Dodecanese Helios Lysippos Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World Siege Of Rhodes Sun God
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 17th-century artwork, titled "Colossus of Rhodes" takes us back to the ancient world and showcases the monumental statue of the Greek sun god Helios. Erected in the 3rd century BC on the picturesque Greek island of Rhodes, this awe-inspiring structure was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing over 30 meters tall, this colossal masterpiece was constructed from a combination of iron and bronze. It served as a symbol commemorating the Siege of Rhodes, which ended in 304 BC. The skilled architect behind this engineering marvel was Chares of Lindos, who studied under Lysippos. Tragically, an earthquake ravaged Rhodes in 226 BC, leading to the destruction of this magnificent statue. However, through artworks like this one by German Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher in his book "Turris Babel" (1679), we are able to catch a glimpse into its former glory. The monochrome illustration depicts a sailing ship passing by as it gazes upon this architectural wonder that once dominated the harbor. The image beautifully captures both its grandeur and historical significance. As we admire this piece from Science Photo Library's collection at New York Public Library's Asian and Middle Eastern Division, we can't help but be transported back in time to witness firsthand how human ingenuity and artistic prowess converged to create such extraordinary structures that still captivate our imagination today.
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