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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.74
Title
Standing Male Figure
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
14th-13th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Anatolia
Period
Hittite Empire period
Culture
Syro-Hittite
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/311825

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
4.9 x 2.2 cm (1 15/16 x 7/8 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Bronze:
Cu, 94.52; Sn, 4.44; Pb, 0.18; Zn, 0.002; Fe, 0.05; Ni, 0.08; Ag, 0.02; Sb, 0.03; As, 0.64; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.037; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The statuette is a solid cast. There may have been some working of the surface after casting. Much of the surface bears modern tool marks from a previous cleaning effort. The eyeholes contain large grains of quartz-like sand, and a whitish material is present in the proper right eye. The patina is black and green over brown, with tan burial deposits in low areas. The top is broken off.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.74
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This standing statuette features a truncated body with curving legs that point forward and two short arms, held horizontally, that curve slightly forward and end in points. There is a prominent projection on the back of the torso at the same level as the arms. There is a ridge in relief around the ankle of the left foot. A raised, curving arc on the torso may represent the diaphragm. A slight bump below this arc may indicate either the naval or the genitalia. The figure’s large head wears a pointed top and is dominated by two prominent eyes that are perforated from front to back. They contain small pieces of another material. They are separated by a beak-like nose under which is a horizontal collar in relief. The pointed top of the head or cap is missing its tip.
The rudimentary nature of this statuette makes it difficult to determine gender or workshop. However, the position of the arms, the pointed head or conical cap, and the presence of what may be male genitalia suggest a god. The prominent eyes, bored completely through the head, indicate a distinctive workshop of similar votive statuettes somewhere in the Levant.

David G. Mitten

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu