Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderful brass amulet of the Greco-Roman deity Priapus - the god of fertility and protector of vegetation, livestock, and male genitals - cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) method. Enveloped in a rich green patina, the petite figure stands with legs together and places both hands on his hips as a huge, permanently erect phallus extends from his slender body. His youthful visage presents annular eyes beneath an arched brow, a naturalistic nose, and a closed mouth, all crowned by a thick coiffure, a pointed hat, and a suspension loop. Size: 1" L x 0.7" W x 2.2" H (2.5 cm x 1.8 cm x 5.6 cm)

Serving as the inspiration for the modern-day garden gnome, statues of Priapus in a pointed hat were commonly placed in the gardens of ancient Greece and Rome, where he served as a guardian of the home and a threat to potential thieves. Furthermore, due to high acclaim throughout the Roman Empire, he inspired "Priapeia" - a collection of 80 (some editions featuring 95) anonymous, obscene Latin poems pertaining to Priapus, thought to date to the 1st century CE or the early 2nd century CE. Priapus' permanent erection gave rise to the medical term priapism.

Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169816

  • Condition: Wearable as a pendant. Some light softening of detail. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.

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March 3, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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