Published / Exhibited Roman Marble Torso of Nude Youth

Roman, Imperial, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A finely carved marble torso of a youth with an appropriately fleshy body, nude save the fascinating cord of amulets over his right shoulder. Delineated in bas relief, we see numerous dangling charms including crescents, clovers, leaves, a double axe, a right hand, a dolphin, and a phallus or capsule-shaped object. According to Sarah E. Cox, curator of the exhibition entitled "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" which included this piece, "Such charms were given to children shortly after birth to provide protection against bad luck, illness, or the evil eye, and seem to have been worn for around five to seven years." Size: 9.6" W x 14.25" H (24.4 cm x 36.2 cm); 19.6" H (49.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The youthful body presents well-articulated fleshy contours, delineated belly button, paunchy abdomen, genitals, and buttocks. On his back, the curve of the spinal column and cleft between his buttocks are nicely rendered as well. Though a section from a larger statue, it is possible to discern that the thighs are thrust forward as if the figure is kneeling or squatting, suggesting lifelike energy. Such calculated poses intended to conjure human vitality in sculpture were inspired by the ancient Greek works of Polykleitos and became the model to which sculptors aspired in Graeco-Roman as well as later Western European art.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; published in "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 to March 31, 2019 - Exhibition Guide, Academy Art Museum, Maryland, USA, page 9, figure 15; ex-Gorny & Mosch, Munich, Germany, auction 214, June 19, 2013, lot 9; ex-private German collection, acquired in the 1980s

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#146087
Condition Report: A fragment from a larger statue as shown. Protruding element on right thigh suggests a former attached attribute. Some expected surface abrasions. Earthen and mineral deposits. Nice root marks. A very special sculpture with fascinating sash with dangling amulets.