Big pyramidal hat, slim fit parachute pants (there must be a better term for these?), flowy cape, and bitchin’ wedge sandals: it’s not every day you see a chubby little 5 year old in such a get up!
This bronze is a strange one and not so large (63 cm tall) and not to be missed in the Met’s Hellenistic rooms along 5th avenue (my happy place). And the fancy little boy’s identity is still cause for consternation and perplexity…
That costume seems to be a Greek take on contemporary Armenian dress of the 1st century B.C. Not much is known concretely about the statuette’s place of manufacture and display context, but it was allegedly found near the Suez Canal or Alexandria before entering the art market.
This all jives with the leading theory that the little fellow could be Alexander Helios, the son of Marc Antony and Cleopatra, with the statuette commemorating his father’s recent military feats in Armenia. Worth a close look next time you’re at the Met. And keep him in mind if you’re stumped for costume ideas this Halloween!
