About the Work

This Roman marble torso, dating from the 1st century AD, depicts an idealised athletic male figure carved with exceptional anatomical precision. The contrapposto pose, inspired by Greek classical canons, creates a dynamic balance between torso and hips. The finely modelled musculature and contrasting drapery suggest a heroic, divine, or more likely imperial figure, illustrating Rome’s adaptation of Greek ideals to express strength, beauty, and authority.

Provenance

In a European collection from the 18th century, judging by the restoration techniques.
Acquired by the Merrin Gallery, New York, in 1989.
Then sold at Christie’s New York on 9 December 2008 as lot 150.
Subsequently, in a private collection until 2025.