Terms and conditions of use
Torso of an athlete
1st century BCE-1st century CE
Medium
marble
Measurements
102.6 × 52.1 × 27.4 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, in memory of Professor A. D. Trendall, 1997
© Public Domain
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts - Great Hall Costume Corridor
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
This torso was acquired in honour of the late Professor Trendall, who contributed his expertise to the development of the NGV’s Classical vase collection. The torso is Roman but is thought to be a copy of an ancient Greek work by the famous fifth-century BCE sculptor Polykleitos. The position of the left arm and head relate it to a type of statue known as the Diskophorus, or discus-holder, of which several versions exist, although all are fragmentary. The body is tensely muscular and the general style is of the later fifth century, a period much favoured by Roman copyists.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Greece / Italy
Accession Number
1997.85
Department
Antiquities
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Classical torso of an athlete, with base for display.