Elongated Nude Male

6th-5th century BCE · Sculpture

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Elongated Nude Male” now? Collection: Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.

Harvard Art Museums

Cambridge, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 12 days ago
In this state since: Sep 27, 2026
Source: The museum

On the map Museum page

About the sculpture

Standing with his left foot forward, this nude male statuette appears to be a votive from the Archaic period (1). The figure holds out both arms, although the proper right arm is now missing below the elbow. Under the corrosion and greenish-gray patina on the body, some surface details are visible. An incised pattern around the neck and shoulders of the statuette, possibly representing a necklace, is still evident; it would have been created using hand-based precision tools after the figure had been cast. Following the conventions of Archaic male coiffures, this figurine has a low fringe of hair and a thickened roll on his forehead. The surface of his head would have had vertical incisions covering both the front and back nape of the neck. His thick neck is set above narrow shoulders. His head is broad and has large almond-shaped eyes.

Read on

The tubular torso gives way to outstretched arms that have traits of Geometric period “wiry” figures of seventh century BCE. These characteristics include a flattening of the body, rounded shoulders, the thickening of the neck, “wiry” arms, and a rounded torso. Although generally lacking musculature or other naturalistic features, the ribcage is faintly visible. The stylization of the incised circular depressions representing nipples is characteristic of this type of statuette in the late Archaic period. He may have held in his right hand a ritual object specific to the deity to whom the votive would have been dedicated. The figure has narrow hips, slender legs, and muscular calves.

NOTES:

1. Compare E. Richardson, Etruscan Votive Bronzes: Geometric, Orientalizing, Archaic (Mainz, 1983) 158-63, Late Archaic Kouros Series C, Groups 1-2, figs. 359A, 360-62, and 371, pls. 102 and 106.

Nicola Demonte

Harvard Art Museums