Bust of a Young Man at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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This stunning marble portrait bust of a young man is Roman, crafted during the Antonine period, A.D. 161-180. This breathtaking bust of a young man with a luxuriant head of curls and an expansive chest that echoes Classical bronze sculpture of the fifth century B.C. was created in Athens during the mid-second century A.D. to honor a beautiful youth by associating his image with those of ancient Greek mythological heroes. In the Antonine period, elaborate coiffures such as this one were fashionable among the jeunesse dorée (translated as gilded youth). The two portraits of Emperor Lucius Verus, both at the MET and on the archive of Scan The World, demonstrate the deeply drilled carving style developed in Rome to convey light and dark effects within such curls. Greek sculptors sought a more plastic rendering; each lock on this head varies and ends with an individualized snail-like curl. Not only fashionable, the full head of hair, sharp turn of the head, nude chest, casually draped cloak, and ribbon-like sword belt all evoke associations with images of Homeric heroes and the glorious past of Classical Greece. The mid-second century A.D. was a time when Greeks attempted to revive their ancient cultural traditions. The fusion of contemporary and heroic in this portrait bust has created an unforgettable masterpiece. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.