Head of a Young Man 400 - 420

Here we have an ancient, anonymous sculpture of the "Head of a Young Man" held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. When we consider the cultural context of this piece, we can think about how the identity of young men was represented in ancient societies. What did it mean to be a young man, and how was that expressed through art? Was it about strength, beauty, intellect, or something else? The fact that the artist is unknown also adds another layer to the story. Who was this person, and what was their relationship to the young man they sculpted? Was it a commission, or a personal project? Perhaps the artist was intentionally erased from history, or maybe their name has simply been lost over time. As you gaze at the sculpture, consider the ways in which ancient societies constructed and celebrated identities. Consider also the many untold stories that lie beneath the surface of this timeless artwork.