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Captive barbarian
Roman
Imperial Period
1st century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Marble, from the Greek island of Skyros
Dimensions
Overall: 52 × 24.5 × 15.9 cm (20 1/2 × 9 5/8 × 6 1/4 in.)
Mounted: 56.7 × 24.4 × 15.9 cm (22 5/16 × 9 5/8 × 6 1/4 in.)
Mounted: 56.7 × 24.4 × 15.9 cm (22 5/16 × 9 5/8 × 6 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Townsend Vermeule and Cornelius Vermeule in honor of Mary Bryce Comstock
Accession Number2000.1053
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionThe standing figure is dressed in a long tunic and trousers, which suggests that he is a barbarian. The head, neck, upper bust, and hands, which were made separately, probably of white marble, are missing. His forearms rest on his thighs; his hands may have been bound, although similar figures sometimes hold a ladle. The right leg is crossed over left, but the lower legs and feet are missing.
Variegated purple and white marble.
Variegated purple and white marble.
Provenance1993, sold by Robin Symes Ltd., London, to Cornelius C. Vermeule, III (b. 1925 - d. 2008) and Emily Townsend Vermeule (b. 1928 - d. 2001), Cambridge, MA; 2000, year-end gift of Cornelius and Emily T. Vermeule to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 24, 2001)