Boxer Face

Boxer Face

A view of the face of the boxer.  Blows received during a match wounded his face, ears, and nose but there are no wounds on his body since the face was the main target.  The reddish color of the lips, nipples, wounds, and details of the gloves result from the intentional use of a specific copper alloy.

Inside the head, under the eye sockets, two hooks are still in place (not visible) to fasten the now lost eyeballs, that were of either ivory, stone or glass paste.


This piece was cast in several pieces: the head and left leg were welded to the bust, as are the arms at the armpits, while the right leg was cast in one piece together with the torso.  The forearms also originate from separate castings, as do the genitals and middle toes.  The metal is 80% copper, 10 % tin, and 10% lead.