The Olympics - Marathon Runner

by Tom McNeely

Title

The Olympics - Marathon Runner

Artist

Tom McNeely

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Watercolor Paper

Description

In ancient Greece, near the Alpheus River, stood Olympia -- center of the Hellenic worship of Zeus and site of the first Olympic games. Initiated in 776 B.C. to honor Zeus, the Games consisted of a single footrace which spanned the length of the stadium. Eventually discus and javelin throws, boxing, wrestling, and other track and field events joined the lists. Held in the highest esteem, Olympic champions often became national heroes - their accomplishments lauded by poets and their physical beauty immortalized in marble sculptures. The Games steadily declined after Rome subjugated Greece in 146 B.C., and two centuries later Emperor Theodosius I abolished the Olympics entirely. During the late 19th century, Baron Pierre de Coubertin sought to revive the amateur competitions for the promotion of international brotherhood and goodwill. In 1896 his efforts culminated inthe first modern Olympic games held since A.D. 393. Athens hosted this prestigious event, and the Games continue to be held at four-year intervals in various cities throughout the world. Women formally entered the Games in 1912. The designon this artwork features marathon runners, whose twenty-six mile endurance event commemorates a two thousand year-old Greek victory over the Persians.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1991 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB12987

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April 15th, 2022

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