Fig. 89. R.-f. kylix. Boulogne.
In modern throwing competitions it is generally the rule that the thrower may not overstep the line till the object has quitted the hand. If this was the rule of the Greeks, the diskos thrower was not allowed to overstep the line with the left foot; such a rule offers a natural explanation of the position of the head in the Standing Diskobolos described above. Dr. Pernice has recently tried to prove that the diskos thrower took his stand with the right foot immediately behind the line, and that it was this foot which was not allowed to cross the line. There is little difference between his view and mine, seeing that in any case the right foot is stationary till the throw is completed, and only follows through after the diskos has left the hand. In support of his view Dr. Pernice cites certain vases where, as he says, a figure is seated on the ground carefully watching the thrower’s right foot.[[588]] This evidence seems to me far from conclusive, seated figures being commonly introduced in early art for the sake of variety or to fill empty spaces. Moreover, this view does not explain the position of the statue. In the dearth of further evidence no certainty is attainable.
A summary of the movements described may be useful—
1. The stance.
(a) Position of standing diskobolos (Fig. [75]), or
(b) Diskos held in both hands level with the waist (Fig. [82]), or
(c) Diskos raised in left hand level with the head (Fig. [83]).
From these positions, with or without a change of foot, the diskos is raised to
2. Position with left foot forward (usually) and diskos in both hands,