* Idealized Human Form: The statue represents the perfect human form, with balanced proportions and athletic physique. It embodies the Greek ideal of *kalokagathia* - the combination of beauty and virtue.
* Contrapposto: Polykleitos used the contrapposto pose, where the weight is shifted to one leg, creating a relaxed and natural stance. This creates a subtle S-curve in the figure, adding dynamism and life to the otherwise static form.
* Mathematical Harmony: Polykleitos believed that the human body could be understood through mathematical ratios. He applied this concept to the Doryphoros, creating a precise and harmonious composition.
* Realistic Detailing: While idealized, the statue still incorporates realistic anatomical details, such as the musculature and tendons, suggesting a careful study of the human form.
The Spear Bearer became a standard model for later sculptors and a defining example of Classical Greek art. It demonstrates the high level of artistic skill and the emphasis on beauty, balance, and idealization that characterized this era.