Damoxenos

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This is one of a pair of neoclassical sculptures created by renowned sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822). The scan provided is of a reduced cast of the original, which can be found in the Octagonal Courtyard of the Vatican Museums. Alongside Creugas of Durres, this work (Damoxenos of Syracuse) reenacts the story of two pugilists who met during the Nemean Games. According to legend, both men were so evenly matched that their competition lasted for hours without a decision. When there was no foreseeable end, they agreed to take one single, undefended blow from each other. Creugas delivered the first punch, striking Damoxenos on the head. Damoxenos retaliated by striking Creugas on the side and tearing out his intestines. The Argives disqualified Damoxenos for killing his opponent, and Creugas was posthumously declared the winner. In 1795, Canova began working on preparatory drawings of these subjects for sculptures. A year later, in 1796, both models were ready. The following year, Canova started creating the marble statue of Creugas, which was completed in 1801. In 1802, the two statues, along with Perseus, were purchased by Pope Pius VII. Three years later, Canova developed a second model for Damoxenos.