SculptureGreek3rd-2nd century BCE

Standing Pedagogue

3rd-2nd century BCE

Description

Mostly complete figurine; missing proper right arm. Standing older man, dressed in a himation or mantle rolled under the exposed chest, and draped over the left shoulder. Rounded head, with short, curly locks, and a straight fringe framing a rectangular, wrinkled forehead. Long, slender face. Narrow, sharp eyes; small, triangular nose; a mustache, and a long, generous beard that is rounded at the bottom. Expression seems pensive or tired. Slender body, mostly obscured by the long himation that falls flatly all the way down to the top of bare feet. The general posture suggests tiredness, as if the man were weighed down by the bundles that are slung over his left shoulder. Would have been painted originally. Traces of white ground at both front and back. Some red pigment extant on bread. Hollow, with a solid head. Mold-made in multiple bivalve molds, likely plaster: one for the head, one for the body (including the left arm), and one for the right arm. Scoring at right shoulder indicates the spot and method for attachment. Detail enhanced by incision. Minimal modeling at back. The figure stands on a narrow, square, plain base that was made separately. Deep red clay, finely levigated.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Mold-made

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Period

Hellenistic period

Century

3rd-2nd century BCE