Greek statue thought to be of a charioteer from Motya off the west coast of Sicily. It dates from around 470 BC.

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This extraordinary statue, only discovered in 1979, is one of the great masterpieces of classical sculpture and has been dated to around 470 BC. Its origins are mysterious - the quality of the sculpture indicates that it might be from Athens, although some suggest that it might be by a home-grown Sicilian sculptor. The long tunic and chest band, together with the victorious pose, indicate that the athlete was a charioteer standing in triumph after a race. The virtuosity of the sculpted drapery revealing the body beneath is remarkable.

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Size: 4752px × 3168px
Location: London
Photo credit: © suzanne bosman / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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