Statuette of a Kouros

600–480 BCE

Etruscan

Medium

bronze

Measurements

Overall: 8.8 cm (3 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

Sundry Purchase Fund 1971.264

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Location

102D Pre-Roman

Did You Know?

Unlike Greek kouroi, which range in medium and scale, Etruscan kouroi are primarily small bronzes.

Description

Though almost certainly Etruscan in origin, this small-scale bronze takes the form of a Greek kouros, a nude male youth with arms at sides looking straight ahead. The left foot appears ever so slightly advanced, but not enough to create any real sense of movement. Two long locks of hair fall over each shoulder, recalling Ionian (East Greek) examples, but the scale-like pattern on the back of the head is unusual. Despite the lack of nudity in most other Archaic Etruscan artworks, the kouros became quite popular as a small bronze votive type in Etruria.