LOT 0051

Etruscan Bronze Statue of a Satyr

CIRCA 6TH CENTURY B.C.

8 in. (679 grams total, 20.4 cm including stand).

Modelled in the round in energetic pose with left hand resting on the hip and right arm raised, head tilted slightly upwards, tail curled gracefully over the rump; on a square base with papyrus stalk detailing; on a later gilt-metal stand mounted on a polished stone cube.

Iris Cornelia Love (1933–2020), New York, collection primarily formed in the 1950s-1970s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13335-258241.

Hannegan, B., Classical Antiquities from the Collection of Miss Iris Love, Durham, North Carolina, 1965, no.8, illustrated.

Exhibited: Durham, Duke University, The Art Department Gallery, Classical Antiquities from the Collection of Miss Iris Love, 25 January–24 February 1965.

Cf. similar figure in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number: 1972.118.72.

Many of the scenes show satyrs in Etruscan art transgressing the limits of accepted behaviour. As symbol of inversion of order, the satyr reflects the rules of the life and culture of the Etruscans and their values. Satyrs in comic, surprising situations indicate the Etruscans' sense of humour. They got their inspiration from Greek art when illustrating myths and narratives, often with a light-hearted approach of their own. The Etruscans were known to be devoted to religious rites and satyrs appear in such scenes too. Satyrs, connected with the Dionysian cortege, appear also on vases in sacrifice scenes and it is suggested here that satyrs dancing and gambolling around a wine vessel are performing a cultic dance in honour of Dionysos.