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The origins of the Olympic Games date back to 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. These games were deeply intertwined with religious and cultural practices, held in honor of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. While the focus was certainly on athletic competitions like running, wrestling, and chariot racing, the ancient Olympics were far from being exclusively about sports. 

Art and culture at Olympia 

The sanctuary of Olympia, where the games were held, was a cultural hub adorned with magnificent sculptures, temples and altars. It housed the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, created by the renowned sculptor Phidias. Poets, historians and philosophers flocked to Olympia, where they performed and shared their works. This convergence of art and sport underpinned the Greek ideal of a balanced life, valuing both physical and intellectual pursuits. 

The modern Olympic revival and the arts 

When Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in the late 19th century, he envisioned an event that celebrated the ancient Greek ideals of a well-rounded human being. To this end, the early modern Olympics included competitions in literature, music, painting, sculpture and architecture. These artistic contests were integral to the Games from 1912 to 1948. 

The 1912 Games in Stockholm marked the debut of the art competitions. Medals were awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. The competition was open to amateurs only, paralleling the amateur status required of the athletes at the time. Interestingly, Pierre de Coubertin himself won a gold medal in literature for his "Ode to Sport," submitted under a pseudonym. 

Notable artistic contributions 

Many artists who competed in the Olympic art competitions were accomplished in their fields. For example, the German painter Jean Jacoby won two gold medals for his drawings and paintings in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics. Architecture entries often included designs for sports facilities, blending functional and aesthetic considerations. 

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The decline and legacy of Olympic arts 

Despite the noble intentions behind including the arts, several factors led to the decline and eventual discontinuation of these competitions after the 1948 London Olympics. One significant issue was the challenge of maintaining strict amateurism, as many artists were professionals. Additionally, there was growing emphasis on the athletic aspects of the Games, with the artistic competitions often receiving less attention and fewer resources. 

However, the legacy of art in the Olympics endures. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to recognise the cultural importance of the Games through the Olympic Cultural Programme, which includes exhibitions, performances and festivals that celebrate the intersection of sport and art. The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, also houses extensive collections that document the artistic heritage of the Games. 

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For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team GB have commissioned artist Ben Mosley to capture the drama on canvas as it happens. Painters Online interviewed Ben to find out more. Read all about it here.