Male torso “Ephebus”

Incomplete marble sculpture depicting a naked adolescent or efebo. The fragmented state of the piece allows us to deduce that it consisted of at least three parts, judging from the metal anchors in the legs, and in the upper and lower torso. This is a standing male figure of an extraordinary beauty. One can see a delicate naturalism in the sculpting, clearly shown in the preserved abdomen. The outgoing fold of the muscles in the hip, not overdeveloped, indicates a teenager. The right leg is slightly moved outwards giving it a calm, relaxed pose.

Identification is difficult because of the fragmented condition of the sculpture. The existence of a mace on the left arm, a sign of strength, could represent a characterization of the god Hercules-Melkart. However, his clothing does not symbolise the “Lion of Nemea”, a usual element in the representation of the deified hero, so it could be perhaps the representation of another divinity.
Place of discovery: Forum west gallery. Archaeological excavations 1973
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Bibliography:
-Peña Jurado, A. (2000) “Las hermas en el mundo clásico: estado actual de la cuestión.” AAC 11, pp. 203- 216.