Statue Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Louis Cyr Statue

Posted on Thursday, December 16th, 2021 by John Wood

A closer look at a Louis Cyr statuette produced in celebration of Cyr’s life in 1913 by the sculptor J.A. Hro. This design has been used several times since then, notably a bronze version for the winner’s trophy of the Arnold Classic strongman competition.

The Boxer of Quirinal

Posted on Monday, July 23rd, 2018 by John Wood

Many of the early physique stars aspired to emulate the classical lines of the Greek and Roman statues.

Here’s a great example, The Boxer of Quirinal, a Hellenistic Greek sculpture from the first century BC. This famous work of art shows an ancient warrior seated, likely resting after a match. This fellow certainly earned his bread, with scars and bruises inlaid with copper adding to the detail. Also of note is the Cestus, which are the leather wraps covering the knuckles of each hand. These were more for increasing knockout power than protection.

Antique Strongman Inkwell

Posted on Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 by John Wood

Weight Training makes it into popular culture in interesting ways. Here’s an example from well over a century ago: an antique bronze strongman inkwell. A Sandow-like feature strikes a contemplative pose in front of a a globe “barbell,” the tops of which, open to provide the ink. This would look pretty good on your desk.