Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A bronze statue of the Greek god Priapus - god of fertility and protector of vegetation, livestock, and male genitals - standing atop an integral pedestal. Somewhat bow-legged and with a slight weight shift, Priapus holds his huge erect phallus with his right hand and a huge serpent - perhaps Glycon (also Glykon), a snake god associated with fertility, who had a great following during the 2nd century CE - in his left hand. Size: 3.125" H (7.9 cm)

Priapus' permanent erection gave rise to the medical term priapism. In addition, he became a popular figure in works of Roman erotic art like this example as well as Latin literature. Furthermore, 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.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158375

  • Condition: Minute nicks to peripheries of pedestal base. Normal surface wear commensurate with age, though the details are still very strong. Bronze has developed a rich green patina over the ages.

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September 22, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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