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Unknown Maker, Roman

Youthful Figure Wearing a Torque
Now On View

Maker

Unknown Maker, Roman

Culture

Roman

Title

Youthful Figure Wearing a Torque

Period

Ancient

Year

138-192 CE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

marble

Dimensions

47.5 x 25.7 x 21.9 cm (18 11/16 x 10 1/8 x 8 5/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

26.158

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries
Sep 22, 2010

Label copy

As the Empire expanded, especially during and after the 2nd century CE, foreign practices and luxury goods were assimilated into Roman culture. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the adopted neckpiece (torque) around this figure’s neck served a function: it covered the seam where a portrait head (now lost) joined the torso. This traditionally Celtic ornament was worn by Roman soldiers and by youths who participated in the Trojan Games. Originally indicators of divinity, torques suggested the gods’ protection. In fact they are common to representations of such child-deities as Horus-Harpokrates, Attis, and young Dionysos, who were connected with Eastern mystery religions that shared the promise of a happy afterlife with their initiates. Combined with a lost portrait head, the torque may establish this piece as a funerary portrait statue, an appropriate memorial to a deceased youthful son.

Rethinking the Romans
New Views of Ancient Sculpture
Apr 06, 2001 – Jan 02, 2009

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
Youthful Figure Wearing a Torque, 138-192 CE
Marble
47.5 x 25.7 x 21.9 cm (18 11/16 x 10 1/8 x 8 5/8 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 26.158

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