This sculpture was only recognised as a copy of a bronze original by Polykleitos in 1869, seven years after it was discovered. It was one of the sculptures selected, in replica form, to decorate the roof of the National Museum in Athens.
It shows an athlete binding a diadem around his head with ribbons, signifying victory in athletic competition. It has been suggested that Apollo is represented, or the Trojan Paris. Apart from the arrangement of the arms, the relaxed pose is very similar to the Doryphoros.
This cast is of a Roman copy, which seems to have had the sides of his head subsequently smoothed down for some unknown reason
London, British Museum 500
Donation by H. Sidgwick 29 May 1880 to the Fitzwilliam Museum. Transferred to the Museum in 1884. Originally obtained from Brucciani of London
Lippold: Griechische Plastik, 166 (n.6)
Richter: Sculpture & Sculptors of the Greeks (1950), 249-250, fig.650 (copy)
Walston: Catalogue of Casts in the Museum of Classical Archaeology (1889), 65, no.290
Lawrence: Classical Sculpture (1928), pl. 63
Body found in the Roman Theatre in Vaison in southern France in 1862; the head was found a kilometre away
