The Rayet Head

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This exquisite fragmentary head originates from a magnificent statue of an unclothed youth. Dubbed 'Rayet' for its previous owner, a French archaeologist, it showcases exceptional craftsmanship. The original marble resides at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (418). Scholars widely regard the Rayet head as one of the finest Archaic sculptures ever created, sparking immense excitement when unearthed in the 1870s. For decades, experts have speculated about other works possibly crafted by the same artist, a connection to sporting reliefs found on the Themistoklean wall, and whether this head belongs to the legs discovered in 1953. The original statue was likely a roughly lifesize standing kouros, with unusually fleshy ears, leading some to believe he may have represented a boxer or wrestler. Remnants of red paint adorn his eyes and hair, now cropped short in this ancient sculpture.