Description:

Egypt, Roman Period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A remarkable terracotta male figure of either Priapus - the rustic Roman god of gardens and male genitalia - or Bes - the Egyptian deity worshipped as a protector of households - depicted as portly and bearded as he kneels before a jar, a draped robe falling to his knees to expose an erect phallus. Liberal remains of pigment adorn the body of the figure. This figure may also have served as a macrophallus: a style of hyper sexualized figurine common during the Roman Period in ancient Egypt that was used as a votive object to enhance fertility for all levels of society. The figure’s lack of formal elegance breaks significantly with other Egyptian representations at the time. Rather than following the typical standard of ideal bodily proportions, figures like this one highlighted the carnal, as the man places his phallus onto a dish as though presenting it as an offering. Size: 2.8" W x 5.5" H (7.1 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Desmond Morris collection, England

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#175412

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration. Expected surface wear with some loss of detail, as shown. Otherwise in good condition with liberal remains of pigment.

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November 10, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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