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Statuette of a hero, perhaps Alexander the Great
Roman
Late Imperial Period
3rd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 11.7 cm (4 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
William E. Nickerson Fund, No. 2
Accession Number64.702
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 174; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 121 (additional published references).
DescriptionBronze statuette of a Hero, perhaps Alexander the Great. He was holding a sword or spear in his raised right hand and a short sword or, perhaps more likely, a shield in his extended left hand. He wears a crested Macedonian helmet with rams' heads on the sides. Green patina; helmet and back corroded.
This image of the god of war could also be interpreted as a venerated, semi-divine warrior like Achilles, Ajax or Alexander the Great. The figure originally held a spear and shield.
This image of the god of war could also be interpreted as a venerated, semi-divine warrior like Achilles, Ajax or Alexander the Great. The figure originally held a spear and shield.
ProvenanceBy 1964: with Mathias Komor, 19 East 71st Street, New York 18; purchased by MFA from Mathias Komor, May 13, 1964