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Unknown Maker, Roman

Male figure
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Roman

Culture

Roman

Title

Male figure

Period

Ancient

Year

1-100 CE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

white marble

Dimensions

114 x 54.6 x 31.8 cm (44 7/8 x 21 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

26.159

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries
Sep 22, 2010

Label copy

This piece was long considered to be a statue of a standing athlete tying a victory fillet around his head. However, close observation of the figure’s anatomical features suggest instead that he was in dynamic movement: he was lunging forward with most of his weight borne by a bent left leg (now missing) and his right leg was actively extended behind him.

The cavity between the shoulders indicates that the statue’s neck area was prepared to receive a portrait head. This sort of athletic body type in sculpture became very popular in the Roman world and was used extensively in honorary portraits. As a type, it was favored by imperial and non-imperial persons alike, as the individual was paid tribute by his presentation in heroic nudity.

Rethinking the Romans
New Views of Ancient Sculpture
Apr 06, 2001 – Jan 02, 2009
An Exhibition of Classical Antiquities
Sep 01, 1981 – Apr 01, 1982

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Roman
Male figure, 1-100 CE
Marble
114 x 54.6 x 31.8 cm (44 7/8 x 21 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 26.159

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