Jasper statuette of a man wearing a toga
Unknown Artist
1st century CE
Medium
Jasper
Dimensions
H. 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm)
Classification
Stone Sculpture
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian or Flavian
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1917
Accession Number
17.230.54
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite jasper statuette depicts a man draped in a toga, the iconic garment of Roman citizenship and status, standing just 7 3/8 inches (18.7 cm) tall. Carved from jasper—a hard, vividly colored semi-precious stone prized for its durability and luster—this small-scale sculpture exemplifies the luxury craftsmanship of 1st-century CE Rome. Jasper was rarely used for three-dimensional figures due to its challenging nature, making this piece a testament to the sculptor's exceptional skill in capturing fine details like the flowing folds of fabric and subtle facial features. Dating to the E...