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Dioskouros
Greek
Hellenistic Period
about 200 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 11.5 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
William E. Nickerson Fund, No. 2
Accession Number60.137
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 071; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 119 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe figure stands with his weight on the right leg (the pose of the Polykleitan Doryphoros) and is nude except for his pointed cap (pilos) and the cloak over his shoulder and left arm. The right hand, left foot, and sword or spear held in the left hand are missing. Hole for mounting in right foot. Dark brown patina, with red and green areas.
The Dioskouroi (Kastor and Polydeukes) were sons of the mortal woman Leda. Polydeukes (Pollux), who was fathered by Zeus, shared his immortality with his half-brother. The two were patrons of Roman knights and of sailors, to whom they appeared as St. Elmo's fire.
The Dioskouroi (Kastor and Polydeukes) were sons of the mortal woman Leda. Polydeukes (Pollux), who was fathered by Zeus, shared his immortality with his half-brother. The two were patrons of Roman knights and of sailors, to whom they appeared as St. Elmo's fire.
ProvenanceBy 1959: with Elie Borowski, Angensteinerstrasse 7, Basel, Switzerland (said to come from Tarentum); March 10, 1960: purchased by MFA from Elie Borowski for $ 1,100.00