Mirror Support: Athlete

460–450 BCE
Overall: 22.5 cm (8 7/8 in.)
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Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

Most Greek mirror stands depict female figures, but this one depicts a male.

Description

A muscular nude youth strides forward on a square metal plate with his arms outstretched. The plate and the volute decoration that adorns his head suggest that this statuette was the support for a mirror. The youth is likely an athlete, as he holds an alabastron or oil vessel in his right hand. The oil may be an offering to the gods for victory, or to rub onto the skin to protect and beautify his body before an athletic contest. The mirror was made separately and would have been attached to the triangular tang above the athlete’s head.
Mirror Support: Athlete

Mirror Support: Athlete

460–450 BCE

South Italy, Locri (?), Greek

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