Bronze statuette of a solar deity

3rd–2nd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 170
The idealized features and seminudity of this carefully executed bronze statuette suggest that he represents a deity. The radiate crown indicates a solar deity, perhaps Apollo or Helios (called by the Etruscans Apulu and Usil). The object in his left hand may be an incense box. Perhaps his missing right hand once held a patera (libation bowl) resembling that held by another larger male figure (16.174.4).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze statuette of a solar deity
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: 3rd–2nd century BCE
  • Culture: Etruscan
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H.: 9 13/16 in. (24.9 cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1916
  • Object Number: 16.174.5
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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