Polydeukion

Votive relief, Pentelic marble, 2nd c. AD.

Polydeukes/Polydeukion was the favorite pupil and beloved of stoic philosopher and millionaire philanthropist Herodes Atticus. He died while still a youth, and his mentor organized a cult in his honor, analogous to that devised by Hadrian for Antinous. Here he is shown with heroic attributes: the serpent, and his nudity.

National Archeological Museum, Athens

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