Roman Bronze Odysseus

An ancient Roman bronze statuette of Odysseus depicted lunging forward on his left leg, the right extending back, his muscular torso twisted, his arms bent, the right held forth, the left pulled back at the shoulder, his head turned sharply to his right, wearing a pilos helmet high on his head, with a full beard and thick curls framing his face.

Ca. 1st century AD.

Height: 5 in. (12.7 cm).

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.

Published: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, vol. VIII, (1995), no. 137.
Inv#: 7842-1

Price On Request

Guaranteed Authentic

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