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Statuette of an Athlete

510–500 BCE

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

Striding forward with his right arm raised behind his head, this powerful figure conveys a naturalistic sense of form and movement associated with Greek sculpture created around 500 BC. Even without its right hand and the object it once held, other features of this statuette—especially its strong physique, posture, and clean-shaven face—all suggest that it represents an athlete, likely preparing to throw a javelin. For while the gods Zeus and Poseidon also strike similar poses in small bronzes of the period (holding a thunderbolt or trident, respectively), these gods would be bearded.

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Details

  • Title: Statuette of an Athlete
  • Date Created: 510–500 BCE
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
  • Provenance: Ernest Ascher Collection; acquired by Jacques Chalmin in the early 1960s; sold by Jean-Luc Chalmin
  • Type: Sculpture
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2000.6
  • Medium: bronze (solid cast)
  • Fun Fact: This robust athlete exudes power, despite his damaged feet and missing hands.
  • Department: Greek and Roman Art
  • Culture: Greece, Peloponnesus, late archaic - early classical period
  • Credit Line: John L. Severance Fund
  • Collection: GR - Greek
  • Accession Number: 2000.6

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