Marble head of a youth 40 - 55

This marble head of a youth is attributed to the Greek sculptor Polykleitos, who was active in the 5th century BCE. Polykleitos was renowned for his theoretical work on proportion and the ideal human form, which he codified in a treatise called "The Canon." This head embodies those principles, showcasing a balanced and harmonious set of features that were believed to reflect the ideal human. But we should also recognize that this ideal was shaped by the social values of its time. In ancient Greece, athleticism and military prowess were highly valued. We might therefore see Polykleitos's sculptures as embodying the cultural aspirations of a society that prized physical strength and youthful vigor. Art historians draw on archaeological records and ancient texts to better understand this historical context, as it provides us with rich insights into the public role of art in ancient Greece. This allows us to reflect on the meaning of art as something contingent on social and institutional context.