Limestone statuette of a boy holding a duck
Unknown Artist
late 4th century–3rd century BCE
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
Overall: 21 1/2 x 8 x 4 1/2 in. (54.6 x 20.3 x 11.4 cm)
Classification
Stone Sculpture
Culture & Period
Cypriot · Early Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.2775
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming limestone statuette depicts a young boy gently cradling a duck in his arms, capturing a tender moment of childhood innocence. Carved in Cyprus during the Early Hellenistic periodlate 4th–3rd century BCE), stands at an impressive 21½ inches tall, showcasing the skill of an unknown Cypriot artist in rendering naturalistic forms from local limestone—a durable medium favored for its availability and workability on the island. Cypriot sculpture from this era reflects the cultural fusion of Greek influences with indigenous traditions, as seen in the boy's relaxed pose and the duck's l...