The Townley Discobolus

The Townley Discobolus is a fine statue of a male athlete caught in action, throwing a discus while looking down at his feet. Wait, what? Why's he looking at his feet? Have you ever tried to throw a discus while keeping your eyes on your toes? This is a video as much about the reception of classical sculpture as it is about the ancient statue itself. Join Prof Caroline Vout as she explores how the Discobolus came to look the wrong way - and why you will find so many copies (including this cast of the Townley Discobolus in the Museum of Classical Archaeology) of the discus thrower with the wrong-turned head in the UK in particular...