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Source Image: PR307_02_03 of Unfinished Athlete of Aphrodisias: Miscellaneous Statuary

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Description

Unfinished athlete modelled on the Polykleitan diskophoros from the Sculptor's Workshop.

Monument
Aphrodisias: Miscellaneous Statuary 
Monument Part
Unfinished Athlete 
Monument Type
Relief 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
circa ad 120 - circa ad 300 
Keywords
Athlete  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Aphrodisias 
Current Location
Aphrodisias Museum 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Hard
Description
The flat surface of the background is roughly worked with the point chisel. Away from the figure, especially in the corners of the block, this work is done roughly, with the chisel held close to the vertical. This is a similar technique to that seen on roughly squared blocks and sarcophagi.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Hard
Description
Around the figure different point chisel marks are visible. Here the carver has worked with the chisel at a shallower angle to create lines, cutting into the rough stone to define the approximate shape of the figure.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description
Finer point chiselling again is visible between the figure's legs and on the supports beneath his arms.

Notes

Since it was common for carvers in the Roman period, especially at Aphrodisias, to define their subjects first in two dimensions and then three, working in from the front of the block, it is impossible to say for sure whether this was intended to be a relief or a free-standing statue. In this case a high relief seems most likely. The background is left rough while the figure is much more carefully finished.

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