Getty Museum

Openwork Relief Appliqué of a Bearded Male

Date

550–525 B.C.

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Greek (Lakonian)

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

A tall nude male strides to the right, drawing his sword from his scabbard as he moves. His head and legs are in profile, while his torso is turned toward the viewer. His hair, combed behind the ear, hangs over his right breast in four coils. Though bearded, he has no mustache. At his feet the right foot and shin of another figure is preserved, also facing right, either falling or collapsed on the ground. The relief is slightly hollowed out on the back, and was made to be fastened to a flat surface by means of rivets, the holes for which are clearly visible in the thigh of the standing figure and the preserved left end of the base. Metalworkers frequently ornamented bronze vessels, utensils, and armor with cast and embossed figures and reliefs. These miniature works were often superbly crafted, displaying complex poses and finely rendered details. Mythological figures, animals, warriors, and banqueters decorated bowls, jugs, and other items used at banquets or offered as prestigious dedications in sanctuaries.

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