A youth. Normally applied to the archaic statues of standing naked youths. These depend to some degree on the appearance of Egyptian statuary. Few are identifiable as gods or heroes, but they may signfify them. Most serve as gravemarkers, 'representing' the dead idealized, or dedications in sanctuaries (Ptoon, Samos, Delos, etc.), where they may sometimes `represent' the donor or deity.
Above: Marble statue. Athens, National Museum © Athens, National Museum
