Head of Zeus

Ancient Greek art stands out among that of other ancient cultures for its development of naturalistic but idealized depictions of the human body, in which largely nude male figures were generally the focus of innovation. The rate of stylistic development between about 750 and 300 BC was remarkable by ancient standards, and in surviving works is best seen in sculpture. In this part of a statue the head of Zeus, the God of Gods is portrayed. He shows the characteristics of power according to Ancient Greek culture: a mature aged man wearing a thick beard and an important mass of hair. These characteristics are also to be linked to manhood.