The artwork, titled “In the earliest times a simple foot-race was the only event,” is created by the artist Walter Crane. This piece is part of the Neo-Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of illustration. It is included in the series “The Story of Greece.”
The artwork depicts a scene of an ancient Greek footrace, with several athletes clad in traditional attire, competing vigorously. Behind them, classical Greek architectural structures and lush landscapes are visible, finely captured with an eye for historical detail. In the foreground, an enthusiastic crowd is seen cheering the runners on, with some individuals adorned in helmets and armor, indicative of the period’s militaristic culture. The illustration exudes a sense of movement and excitement, characteristic of Walter Crane’s illustrative style and his dedication to blending historical narrative with artistic elegance.
