Lot 6B
Greece, ca. 500 BCE. A dramatic terracotta relief of the satyr Marsyas who in Greek mythology plays a principal role in two narratives about music. In one story, Marsyas picked up an aulos ( a double-piped reed instrument) that Athena had cast aside and began to play it. Athena had actually made the instrument herself, but elected to abandon and curse it when other gods mocked her for the way her cheeks looked when she played it. In the second story, Marsyas boldly challenged Apollo, the god of music, to a contest that was judged by the Muses that he unfortunately lost. Since it was determined that Marsyas had committed hubris against Apollo, Marsayas lost both his hide and his life. He was hanged inside a cave and then flayed alive. Apollo later regretted his severe punishment, stopped playing the lyre for a period, and when the gods mourned Marsyas, their tears created the river Marsyas. In this piece the sculptor keenly communicates the tortured, somewhat crazed state of Marsyas. Note his frightened countenance and the unruly wildness of his wavy coiffure and full beard. Size: 5.875" H (14.9 cm); 8.875" H (22.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The story of Marsyas has captivated many artists throughout time. Flemish painter Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678), for example, depicted an episode of Marsyas' story in his painting entitled, "Marsyas Ill-Treated by the Muses" currently in The Hague. Antonio Corradini (1658-1752) created a monumental marble sculpture of "Apollo Flaying Marsyas". One may also see a remarkable sculpture of Marsyas receiving Apollo's punishment in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and another entitled, "The Torment of Marsyas" in the Louvre Museum.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: ex-private New York, USA collection
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#127328
- Condition: A fragment with losses to the peripheries as shown. Slight remains of white pigment have survived. Though a section, the piece presents a superb visage.
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