Special Exhibitions
Magna Graecia
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Special Exhibitions |
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Magna Graecia |
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Magna Graecia: Greek Art From South Italy and Sicily
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Exhibition Highlights
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Ephebe (Youth) of Mendolito (about 460 BC)
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Ephebe (Youth) of Mendolito (about 460 BC) This small bronze figure of a nude athlete is a fine example of the increased understanding of the human form by artists during the early Classical period. The artist has been identified as possibly Pythagoras of Rhegium and the technique shows an understanding of the human form in terms of musculature, modeling and weight shift developing during this period. The nude figure turns his torso around the central axis of his spine, resting his weight on his straight right leg while his left remains bent and relaxed. His face shows an innerness, or reflection of ethos, that suggests he is contemplative. This would have been more effective when the bronze still had its eyes. The youth may have once held a phiale (fee-al-ay) in his right hand, from which he would have poured a libation as an offering to a god in hopes of a fine athletic performance, or in thanks for a successfully completed performance.Page 19 of 23 | On the next page: Hydria (about 530-520 BC) |
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