An ancient Roman bronze statuette of Odysseus, nude, lunging forward on his left leg, his muscular torso twisted, wearing a pilos helmet high on his head, with a full beard.
Ca. 1st century AD.
Odysseus’ stance recalls his position on the massive sculptural group of the Blinding of the Cyclops Polyphemus from Sperlonga. The statuette may also represent Odysseus in his attempt with Diomedes to steal the Palladium from Troy.
For ancient images of Odysseus, cf. D. Buitron, et al., The Odyssey and Ancient Art, an Epic in Word and Image, (New York, 1992).
Formerly in a European private collection; with Royal-Athena Galleries, 1993; subsequently in a Maryland private collection.
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