SculptureGreek3rd century BCE

Seated Emotional Man

3rd century BCE or later

Description

Complete figurine; in good condition but for a crack at the left ankle. A seated man, nude. He leans back slightly on a rock or mound, looking upwards with his mouth open in a circle. He places his right hand over his heart, as if overcome by emotion. Voluminous wavy hair with ears visible at front, held back from forehead by a crown or diadem with a jewel at its center. Bulging forehead, as if straining or with eyebrows raised in surprise. Eyes wide open, with narrow lids rendered in relief. Prominent nose with pierced nostrils. Distinct, high cheeks. Wide-open mouth, with a mustache and short, trimmed beard. The head is cocked slightly to the left and leans back with the rest of the upper body; overall expression is pained or adoring. The body is less defined. Rounded shoulders, overly thick arms, and clumsy hands with fat fingers. Proper left hand rests naturally on the left thigh, while the right arm crosses over the torso, with the hand landing on the heart. A small phallus is indicated; demure. The thighs are noticeably thin, but not emaciated. Bent knees and bare feet resting flat on the ground; distinct toes. Everything rests on a narrow, plain, and rectangular base. Would have been painted orignally. Small traces of white ground and red pigment still extant. Hollow. Mold-made in a bivalve mold; likely plaster. Minimal modeling at back. Figure and base should have been made separately but were attached so carefully as to not leave any visible seams. No visible ventholes. Figure stands safely on its own; uncomfortable to hold. Maroon clay; highly levigated and hard-fired.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Mold-made

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Period

Hellenistic period

Century

3rd century BCE