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Document Details :

Title: The Bronze Boxer from the Quirinal Revisited
Subtitle: A Construction-related Deposition of Sculpture
Author(s): HEYMANS, Elon D.
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 88    Date: 2013   
Pages: 229-244
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.88.0.2987083

Abstract :
The discovery of the bronze seated boxer during excavations in 1885 on the Quirinal in Rome counts as one of the most spectacular finds in the archaeology of Rome. Initially described by R. Lanciani, it was long assumed that the statue was buried in late antiquity, together with the so-called Hellenistic prince, in order to protect it from danger. This article revisits the case of its discovery in detail, and demonstrates that the statue was in fact deposited during the 2nd century CE to mark the construction of a large building. Subsequently, the case is compared to other examples of construction-related depositions of sculpture.

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