Unknown (Greek)
Praying Boy
c. 300 BCE
A Roman marble copy of a late-5th-century BC Greek bronze, the 'Praying Boy' (Betender Knabe) was found on Rhodes in 1503 and passed through Venice and Paris before entering the collection of Frederick the Great of Prussia. The nude youth stands in the classical contrapposto, weight shifted to one leg, with both arms raised in an attitude of silent prayer — most often interpreted as a victor in athletic competition giving thanks to the gods. He is one of the most beloved permanent displays in the ancient sculpture galleries of Berlin's Altes Museum.
Exhibition Venue
Image source: Wikimedia Commons