Roman, probably from western Asia Minor

Only a handful of life-size bronze sculptures from the ancient Mediterranean world survive. This youth descends from the centuries-long Greek tradition of statues dedicated in honor of victorious athletes. The standard type was an idealized nude figure (athletes competed without clothes). Hollow-cast bronze was a favorite medium, more costly than marble and with the advantage of allowing arms and legs to be extended from the body without added supports. The several pieces forming head, torso, legs, and arms were cast separately and welded together.

This statue could have been commissioned to adorn either a public gymnasium or a private villa. The missing lowered right arm may have carried a lamp or torch.

Bronze, about A.D. 130
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1966.126