Once more a single object of art has been given the position of importance on the first landing of the stairway at the Fogg Art Museum. A Greek Athlete's head of the fourth century B. C. has been chosen. Due to the slightly swollen and flattened ears the well-preserved head of beautiful Parian marble is said to be that of an athlete. Although these ears have been curiously neglected in the carving, being little more than blocked out, the swollen and flattened appearance mentioned above is often found in heads of Greek athletes due to heavy blows received in boxing.

The style of the head may be characterized as marking the transition from Phidias to Praxiteles in its combination of simplicity and dignity with rather detailed modelling and striving for expression. The massed irregularity of the curling locks of hair has a notable variety, showing much skill in their rendition.

The so-called "bar of Michelangelo" is well emphasized in the forehead as is the horizontal groove about it. The head as a whole has more variety than most heads from the fourth century, as can be seen in the not quite symmetrical eyes and eyebrows and in the cheek bones. This tendency is not carried far, however. Thus the early years of the fourth century is the period to which this head may be assigned while the shape of the skull, with its strongly curved outline and slightly tapering face, points to a master of the Attic school.