Torso of an Athlete

The physique of this torso is almost too good to be true: chiseled pectoral muscles, the faint impression of washboard abdominal muscles, and an exaggerated furrow between the hip and abdomen. We see the integration of realism and the ideal in the musculature, flesh, and bone structure. For example, the furrow along the hip and abdomen leading to the genitals is an artistic interpretation of the actual anatomical structure. For the Greeks, the nude male body was one of the highest forms of beauty. For a man to achieve such a physique he had to participate in athletics at the gymnasium, where both athletic and important civic events where held. A sculpture such as this represents not only physical, athletic, and military excellence but also desirability and possibly immortality.