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Statuette of a young athlete holding a strigil
Greek
Early Hellenistic Period
Late 4th or 3rd century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 27 x 11.5 cm (10 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7816
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionStatuette of youth standing, holding strigil. Wears a cloak (himation), exposing most of his torso, and a heavy round wreath; strigil in left hand, held easily against body. He is clothed, which is unusual for figures of Greek athletes. Perhaps he has completed his bathing and has left the gymnasium.
Condition: Fingers and thumb of right hand are missing. Other breaks. Feet and base are modern.
Label text:
The strigil was used to scrape cleansing oil off the body during the bathing process. Bathing was an obligatory sequel to athletic exercise, and the strigil probably indicates that this youth is an athlete.
Condition: Fingers and thumb of right hand are missing. Other breaks. Feet and base are modern.
Label text:
The strigil was used to scrape cleansing oil off the body during the bathing process. Bathing was an obligatory sequel to athletic exercise, and the strigil probably indicates that this youth is an athlete.
ProvenanceBy 1901: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Tanagra. Bought from Rhousopoulos); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, December 1901