Statuette of a Youth Carrying a Diskos

This bronze statuette depicts a young athlete carrying a discus. He is nude, and his long hair is carefully arranged and held back by a beaded fillet or band around the crown of his head and a barrette-like clip in the back. The hole in his right hand indicates that he probably originally held a second item. The posture of the youth emphasizes his well-muscled body and the artist has given a detailed, if not always accurate, rendering of the musculature. The youth's pectorals and biceps are especially well developed, as would be appropriate for someone who throws the discus. Several features of the statuette including its proportions, overall pose, and hairstyle indicate that the figure comes from one of the Greek colonies in South Italy. It was probably dedicated as a votive offering in a religious sanctuary.