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New Comedy Actor declaiming

Roman
Hellenistic
2nd to 1st century B.C.

Medium/Technique Bronze
Dimensions Height: 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.677
ClassificationsSculpture

Catalogue Raisonné Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 139; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 120-121 (additional published references).
DescriptionAn actor with the distinctive mask of teh slave character from New Comedy--his costume fits the more naturalistic style drawn from every day life of this genre.
The actor's right arm is raised in a gesture of declamation. He wears a small cloak on his left shoulder and a short, girdled tunic with long sleeves, tight trousers, sandals, and a slave mask. He stands on a circular, molded base. Greenish patina, slightly crusty.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: bought in Perugia); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)