Over life size, this bronze statue of a man is indeed impressive. Imagine how tall it would have stood with its separately attached portrait head. There is a pause in movement and all weight shifts onto the right leg in contrapposto. The left arm is held close at the side, while the right hand stretches out from the folds of the himation. Notice the open palm and how the fingers curl upward as if this individual is in the middle of delivering a speech.

Even without the portrait head, gesture and fabric bring this statue to life. Notice the tension and pull of the wrapped himation, and how the folds around the right leg draw attention to the figure’s well-muscled limbs. Over his round belly, you can see the vertical folds of another lighter garment beneath his cloak. At one time, this statue was the identifiable portrait of a prominent individual, perhaps an orator. A statue like this—the highest of honors—would have been erected by a city or ruler in gratitude for a significant deed or benefaction.