Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A wonderful bronze figure of a youth, likely Attis, the god of vegetation and consort of Cybele, wearing a Phrygian cap. Posed vivaciously, the ancient deity displays a pudgy body with a plump belly, portly limbs, and a bulbous posterior as he strides dramatically forward with his right foot. He leans slightly back, thrusting his left arm into the air with hearty punch. His right arm bends at the elbow with his right hand clenched tightly in a fist. Gazing upward, his round head displays sunken eyes, a button nose, and a straight, incised mouth. His traditional Phrygian cap clumsily caps his head, the top point flopping forward and side flaps hanging over his ears, framing his cherubic visage. Note the thick layers of seafoam green patina that envelope his figure, imbuing him with an elegant presentation reminiscent of the Ancient Roman Empire! Size: 1.3" W x 3.3" H (3.3 cm x 8.4 cm); 5.1" H (13 cm) on included custom stand.

Attis, the god of vegetation and consort of Cybele, was worshipped in Phrygia, Asia Minor, and eventually throughout the Roman Empire, where he was understood as a solar deity in the 2nd century CE. Attis was essentially a vegetation god, and via self-mutilation, death, and resurrection he represented the fruits of the earth, which see their demise in winter only to rise again in the spring.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#167382

  • Condition: Loss to proper left forearm and hand. Expected surface wear with abrasions and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with rich patina.

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September 8, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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