Lot 20
Etruria, northern Italy, ca. 6th to 5th century BCE. A solid bronze statuette, finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, depicting a satyr - possibly Silenus - reclining on a lion's skin. The satyr's head is characteristically horned; his face presents a thick, bushy mustache and beard; his body presents cloven hooves further revealing his goat-like aspect. A wonderful depiction of a devotee to Dionysos, god of wine. Size: 1.75" W x 1.375" H (4.4 cm x 3.5 cm); 2.5" H (6.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Satyrs were powerful symbols in ancient Rome, associated with the joy of the Bacchanal. This example is likely Silenus, a satyr-like figure who was an older companion to Bacchus (Dionysus). The consumption of wine was an important social activity in Roman society and Silenus was commonly added to decorative items to signify the owner's affiliation with the cult of Bacchus. Themes of the god and his followers were particularly popular during the early part of this time period, as control of the Mediterranean shifted from Greece to Rome.
An Etruscan bronze applique of a reclining Satyr sold for $4,250 at Sotheby's London - 3 July 2018 - Lot 11 - http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/ancient-marbles-classical-sculpture-and-l18260/lot.11.html
See a similar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this one reclining on a wineskin and playing Pan pipes (1972.118.65) - https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255378
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Neil Phillips collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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#146865
- Condition: Intact. Gorgeous deep green and russet patina.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |