Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0121

Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege

CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

5 7/8 in. (316 grams total, 15 cm high including stand).

Modelled in the round with putto-like features, holding a nebris draped over his shoulders in the manner of Dionysus, with tousled hair and pointed ears; one foot absent; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Provenance

Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003.
with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 16-17 May 2002, no.305.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12052-217493.

Literature

Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence,Paris, 1965, item 449, for similar statuette of young Dionysus dressed in a similar way.

Footnotes

The young satyr is covered by a nebris, a deer skin, similar to an aegis, originally worn as an item of clothing by hunters and subsequently attributed to Dionysus. Consequently, it was adopted by his followers in the processions and ceremonies held in his honour, during the liturgical celebrations of the Dionysia. It was commonly worn in the same way as an aegis, tying the two front legs over the right shoulder to allow the body of the skin to cover the wearer's left side (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VI, 593). In ancient works it is seen worn by characters of the Dionysian procession: Maenads, Bacchae, Satyrs, and Sileni.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0121

Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege

Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Emerald Gemstone with Portrait of Young Nero
    Roman Emerald Gemstone with Portrait of Young Nero
    51-55 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500

    Depicting Nero as a young boy, either as crown prince or within the first year of his reign in his first known portrait type, unequivocal with his long hair fringe. 2.17 grams, 17 mm



    Ex Paul Munro Walker collection, Bournemouth, UK, 1970s. Private collection of Alexander Cotton, Hampshire, UK, sold October 1986. From a London gentleman's, UK, collection, in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12104-216215.

    Dr Ittai Gradel writes: 'Date is AD 51-55. On most glyptic portraits from shortly after he became emperor, so 54-55, he is shown laurelled ... However, on the coins he is shown also bare-headed even as emperor in 54-55 (second coin, denarius). Again, on coins his bust is shown draped only before he became emperor in 54 (first coin, aureus), but cameos show him draped also as emperor (as e. g. the Marlborough one: but there are several known). It is therefore not possible to say if the emerald shows him as crown prince or as emperor, and I cannot date it more precisely than 51-55.'

    Lot Details

  • Roman Silver Ring with Fly Gemstone
    Roman Silver Ring with Fly Gemstone
    2nd-3rd century A.D. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £546

    With later rounded plaque and inset jasper stud with intaglio fly motif. 17.26 grams, 26.69 mm overall, 19.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



    Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Oil Lamp with Theatre Scene
    Roman Oil Lamp with Theatre Scene
    Late 1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £481

    Depicting a theatre scene to central discus; voluted angular-tipped nozzle; base marked off by a circular groove. 45.7 grams, 86 mm



    Private collection since the 1990s. with Gorny & Mosch, 12 December 2012, lot 491. Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Gorny & Mosch catalogue pages.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list