Votive Figurine of a Beardless Youth

Place of OriginItaly

Date4th century BCE

DimensionsH: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); L: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W: 7/8 in. (2.2 cm)

MediumBronze

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.92

Not on View

DescriptionA small, solid-cast bronze statuette of a standing male youth. The figure stands in a relaxed pose (contrapposto) with weight on the right leg. He is nude from the waist up, wearing a heavy mantle (himation) draped around his hips and lower body; the fabric is rendered with broad, vertical folds. His left arm is extended forward, holding a small offering object (likely a missing phiale), while his right arm is raised in a gesture of speaking. The head is characterized by summary facial features and hair depicted with incised wavy lines.

Label TextThis small bronze figure was not made to be admired as art, but to work as a prayer. In ancient Italy, thousands of similar statuettes were produced to be left at sanctuaries as gifts (ex votos) to the gods. By purchasing and dedicating a figure of a "pious youth" like this one—shown in the act of pouring a liquid offering—the donor hoped to secure divine favor, healing, or protection.Published ReferencesSotheby's, New York, Antiquities, December 9, 1981, lot 250 (illus.).

Sotheby's, New York, Antiquities, June 12, 2003, lot 188 (illus.)