. Greek athletic sports and festivals . ames, while the Parthenon sculptures were executedunder the direction of Pheidias. A truer idea of the athleticyouth of this age can be formed from the Theseus of thepediment, or the epheboi of the frieze, than from late copies ofPolycleitus. In all these figures the prevailing impression is one of aperfect harmony, an absence of all exaggeration. Beauty ofline is not exaggerated into softness, nor strength into coarse-ness. There is, too, a graceful ease of movement and of actionwhich tells of an education in which music goes hand in handwith gymnastic.

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. Greek athletic sports and festivals . ames, while the Parthenon sculptures were executedunder the direction of Pheidias. A truer idea of the athleticyouth of this age can be formed from the Theseus of thepediment, or the epheboi of the frieze, than from late copies ofPolycleitus. In all these figures the prevailing impression is one of aperfect harmony, an absence of all exaggeration. Beauty ofline is not exaggerated into softness, nor strength into coarse-ness. There is, too, a graceful ease of movement and of actionwhich tells of an education in which music goes hand in handwith gymnastic. Musical drill and dances formed an importantpart of Greek education; even at the great festivals the com-petitors in the pentathlon performed to the accompaniment of 102 GREEK ATHLETIC SPORTS AND FESTIVALS chap. the flute. The influence of music is especially suggested bythe rhythmic movement and poise of the Diadumenos. Hencethese harmonious shapes produce an effect deeper than thatof mere physical beauty, they seem to be the outward.

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