The Doryphoros was created during the high Classical period. During this time, there was an emphasis put on the ideal man who was shown in heroic nudity. The body would be that of a young athlete that included chiseled muscles and a naturalistic pose. The face is generic, displaying no emotion.

What was the purpose of Doryphoros?

The Doryphoros typifies the new approach to depicting the human form in the high Classical Period of Greek art. Artists placed increasing emphasis on the ideal man, who was depicted in heroic nudity with a young, athletic body that was naturalistic in musculature and pose.

Why is polykleitos important?

One of most important sculptors working in bronze in the 400s B.C., Polykleitos, along with Pheidias, created the Classical Greek style. ... Although none of his original statues survive, literary sources and Roman marble copies of his work allow us to reconstruct the appearance of his works.