Olympian Boxer (?)

myminifactory

This massive bronze statue showcases the incredible realism that characterized many early Hellenistic portraits. We can infer that he's triumphant because he wears a winner's laurel wreath, yet it's evident he's been through quite an ordeal. His weathered face is puffy and rugged; his mouth hangs slightly open as if gasping for breath; and his hair is wildly disheveled. This portrait was likely part of a larger statue, but when uncovered at Olympia – the epicenter of the pan-Hellenic festival of worship and athletic competition – only the head remained. The original resides in the National Museum of Athens, where it's cataloged as Inv. 6439. Unearthed in 1880 within the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia.