Date

490-480 BC

Provenance

Athens, among Persian debris

Material

Marble

Attribution

Kritios

Authenticity

Greek marble original

Subject Matter

Votive (religious) nude depiction of a young male.

Anatomy

No facial hair. Hair is short and curly.

No eyes, possibly separate and inserted.

Ears are realistic and in correct place.

No archaic smile. Replaced by severe expression.

Evidence of skeleton under skin.

Pattern and Proportion

Smaller than life-size – 1.7m – half life-size. Possibly a trial for larger bronze version.

Hair only source of pattern.

Pose and Realism

Statue has come to life.

Vertical symmetry now broken.

Relaxed pose in favour of sentry box.

Weight carried on left leg.

Tilting of hips and bending of right knee.

Chest pushed forwards.

Arms raised from sides.

Drapery

Nude.

Emotion

Severe expression.

No archaic smile.