Diskobolos Preparing to Throw

myminifactory

Discus throwing by Mathieu Kessels, an 18th-century Belgian sculptor. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels houses the artwork. CapturingReality software was used to create it. Kessels's determination to travel to Rome led him to become an apprentice of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in 1818. A competition for young artists, organized by Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova, was held that year. Kessels won the top prize with his terracotta sculpture of Saint Sebastian pierced by arrows in 1819. His work showcased exceptional skill and beauty. In Rome, Kessels became a member of the Academy of St. Luke and the Institute of the Netherlands. He later became a professor at these institutions. Additionally, he was a member of academies in Amsterdam from 1824 onwards and Antwerp. Follow me on Twitter at @GeoffreyMarchal for more updates.