Limestone statuette of a temple boy

3rd–1st century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
The boy sits on a slanted plinth, his left leg bent against the body, the right bent up in three-quarter profile and the foot flat on the plinth. The body, in a relaxed position, is totally nude, chubby, the genitalia large; the penis is missing. The left hand rests on a turtle. The broken right hand probably held a bird; there are remains of a tail. A bracelet circles the left wrist and a chain of amulets hangs from the right shoulder. The pendants are summarily rendered. The head is turned three-quarters to its right. The face is smiling and the eyes are slightly open. The nose is broken. The head is covered with wavy locks. The back is not worked.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Limestone statuette of a temple boy
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: 3rd–1st century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: Overall: 15 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (40 x 29.2 x 14 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2757
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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