Loading, please wait...

Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege Roman Bronze Figure of a Young Satyr of Dionysian Cortege
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 Terracotta Oil Lamp with Charioteer
    Lot 0844
    Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Charioteer
    2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £104

    Squat lamp with broad discus displaying stamped scrolls and leaf-motifs, central low-relief biga with traces of red pigment; stub nozzle. 45 grams, 82 mm



    Acquired in the 1970s. From the private collection of a retired East Anglian teacher.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Historic Cut & Polished Porphyry Slice Group
    Lot 0602
    Roman Historic Cut & Polished Porphyry Slice Group
    1st-5th century A.D. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £104

    Comprising three lacquered porphyry slices of rectangular shape, cut on both faces and polished on one face; probably from recycled material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.; intended for use as inlay panels. 81 grams total, 5.8-12.2 cm



    From Egypt. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).

    Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarry men, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Gemstone in Iron Bezel with Fortuna and Inscription
    Lot 0728
    Roman Gemstone in Iron Bezel with Fortuna and Inscription
    2nd-3rd century A.D.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Ellipsoid gemstone in ferrous matrix; intaglio figural scene with two figures in floor-length robes, each supporting a cornucopia, facing each other and holding hands; above, two profile busts with radiate crowns; below recumbent amphora; legend 'MIA' beneath the extended arms; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.82 grams, 22 mm



    From a Swiss collection, 1980s onwards. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

    Lot Details

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