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Roman copper alloy figure of the god Hermaphrodite?
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Roman copper alloy figure of the god Hermaphrodite?
Roman copper alloy figure of a nude male wearing a turban with wavy hair beneath. In his right hand he holds an object which might be a jumping weight or a folding mirror, so he might represent an athlete or Narcissus. However the small breasts have been interpreted as indicating that he represents a hermaphrodite. Found in the River Thames. From the British Museums collection
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Media ID 14852843
© CM Dixon / Heritage-Images
Athlete British Museum Gender Hermaphrodite Romano British Statuette Mike Dixon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable Roman copper alloy figure of the god Hermaphrodite, found in the depths of the River Thames and now proudly displayed at the British Museum. The statue portrays a nude male adorned with a turban, boasting wavy hair cascading beneath it. In his right hand, he delicately holds an object that sparks intrigue among scholars - it could be either a jumping weight or a folding mirror. This ambiguity suggests that this enigmatic figure might represent either an athlete or Narcissus himself. However, what truly sets this sculpture apart is its unique depiction of gender. Despite possessing masculine features such as muscular physique and facial structure, the presence of small breasts challenges traditional notions and hints at its representation as a hermaphrodite. This duality adds depth to our understanding of ancient Roman beliefs surrounding gender identity. The rich bronze hue of this statuette exudes timeless elegance while evoking visions of Rome's glorious past. Its placement within the British Museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in history and marvel at the craftsmanship exhibited by ancient Italian artisans. As we gaze upon this artifact captured through Mike Dixon's lens, we are reminded once again of humanity's eternal fascination with artistry and self-expression across time and space.
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