Scrotal asymmetry, varicocoele and the Riace Bronzes

Abstract

In 1972, a pair of remarkably attractive Greek statues, later named Riace Bronzes, were found along the Mediterranean coast in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. We analyse the Riace Bronzes in the context of previous research on scrotal asymmetry in Greek statues. By examining their testis, one can define a more exact time of their dating by placing them beside previous observations of scrotal asymmetry, and possibly by taking a pathological condition, varicocoele, as an influencing factor in determining the appearance of the testis. In statue A of the Riace Bronzes, the left testicle is remarkably lower compared with the right one; it also appears as it looks when under physical examination varicocoele is suspected. Being located on the left testicle (as in 90% of cases) and by sight, we feel sufficiently confident to affirm that varicocoele might be diagnosed.

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