Torso
Artist unknown
Creation date 100 - 1 B.C.E.
Materials white marble
Dimensions 19 x 25 x 16 in.
Location Art of Antiquity, Medieval Gallery
Credit line Bequest of Elizabeth Gilbert Fortune in memory of her late husband Robert Patrick O'Riley Fortune
Accession number 2004.89
http://www.imamuseum.org/explore/artwork/5138

This over-life-sized figure once stood or sat in a niche with his right arm raised and bending slightly in that direction. His back, not meant to be seen, was only summarily carved. His well-chiseled torso, probably repolished in the 19th century, conformed to the standards of human perfection, applicable to representations of gods, heroes and mortals alike, throughout the Hellenized Mediterranean world down through the early Roman Empire.

Purportedly unearthed from the ruins of the major North African Roman colony of Lepcis Magna, this torso may have been repolished in the early nineteenth century when such restoration of antiquities was in vogue. Subsequently, it was with Spink and Sons, in London, Robert Hecht, Jr. in Rome and The Connaught Gallery in London from whom the Fortunes purchased it in 1970.

Former collections:
Spink and Sons, London
Robert Hecht, Jr., Rome
The Connaught Gallery, London
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fortune, Indianapolis (by purchase, 1970)