ΤΗΕ ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
You must be The Calf-Bearer…? One of the eldest members of the statue community here in the Acropolis Museum? Yes, I was one of the first statues produced when the Attic sculpture workshops got started in the early 7th century BC. My creator is still unknown, but the experts think I was carved about 570 BC.
How do they know you’re such an early sculpture? For one thing, I’m made of white marble from Mount Hymettus, just outside Athens. In later years, Athenian sculptors largely switched to using finer-quality marble from the island of Paros. But I don’t feel old-fashioned; I’m an original… an icon! I’m in all the guidebooks and school texts!
You sound a little… supercilious. Who are you exactly? From my inscribed base, you’ll see I’m a dedication offered by Rhombos, son of Palos, who was probably a top Athenian aristocrat – a member of the 500-Measure social class, with the necessary means to make expensive gifts, such as me. Some say I’m Rhombos himself, bringing a calf to Athena as a sacrificial offering.
How else can we identify you as an early Archaic sculpture?
The Calf-Bearer A DEDICANT COMES TO WORSHIP
Well, look at my features – the distinctive “Archaic Smile,” almond-shaped eyes and stylized hair and anatomy. And check out these impressive “abs,” just above my button-like navel. I used to go to the gymnasium every day!
If you’re so old, how come you’re still in such great shape? It was those rascally Persians. When they ransacked the Acropolis in 480 BC, they knocked me down, along with some of my other colleagues here in this gallery. Later, the Athenians buried us, when they were tidying up. So, here we are! 54
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I don’t feel old-fashioned; I’m an original… an icon! I’m in all the guidebooks and school texts!