Explore the Scholarly interpretation of this artwork.
The 18th-century art historian, Johann Winckelmann made it better known by praising it in his History of Ancient Art, calling it "the glory and crown of art in this age as well as in others" and "so immaculate that it appears to have come fresh out of the hands of the artist".  This was since, though Roman in date, it echoed the 5th century BC Greek style which Winckelmann preferred over Roman art.
Johann Winckelmann