Roman Empire, Hellenistic, ca. 1st century BCE. A carved marble sculpture depicting the head and torso of a nude male figure with an expressive and somewhat contorted posture. Notice that one of his hands is placed behind his back, and his head is dramatically cocked to one side. Given this awkward pose, perhaps this individual represents a prisoner of war or an athlete in the midst of a difficult maneuver. This piece boasts all the hallmarks of the Hellenistic style. The Romans by this point were fascinated by Hellenistic sculpture's departure from traditional subjects. Though gods and goddesses were still in favor, Hellenistic sculptors went even further in terms of their range of subjects and style, really pushing beyond the boundaries when it came to emotion, physical motion, and expression. Just look at this gent's swirling locks of hair that cascade toward his back. Even his beard captures the emotional intensity of the moment.

The nude figure was first idealized by the ancient Greeks. Athletic competitions at sacred religious festivals upheld the human body, particularly that of the male, as a work of art. Athletes competed in the nude and the ancient Greeks regarded them as the epitome of humanity. Hence, the male nude body became associated with victory, glory, and moral fortitude. This concept of heroic nudity was later adopted by the ancient Romans. Notable Roman sculptures that embraced the ideal nude as well as the Hellenistic penchant for capturing a figure in the midst of motion and truly seizing an emotional pinnacle moment include the "Sleeping Satyr" (also known as the "Barberini Faun," ca. 230-200 BCE), the reknowned "Seated Boxer" (ca. 100 to 50 BCE, Museo Nazionale Romano) and the brilliant "Dying Gaul" (ca. 230-220 BCE, Musei Capitolini, Rome). This piece is a rare and remarkably expressive male nude from Ancient Rome! Custom, museum quality stand. Size: sculpture itself measures 11" W x 13" H (27.9 cm x 33 cm); 16" H (40.6 cm) with stand

Provenance: Ex- Estate of M. Reiniger, Chicago, IL

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#111494

A fragment with losses to the visage as shown. Nevertheless, a marvelous example!