Roman Bronze Lower Section of Adonis-Tammuz Statue

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

4 in. (128 grams, 10 cm).

Modelled in the round as a belted torso and legs with tiered tasselled robes and bare feet. [No Reserve]

Provenance

UK art market, 1981.
Private collection, London, UK.

Literature

Cf. large statue in the Liebighaus Sammlung, Frankfurt am Main, item 192.

Footnotes

Adonis was the offspring of an incestuous union between Smyrna and Cinyras. As an infant, he was given by Venus (Aphrodite) to Persephone for protection, but later became an object of desire for both, resulting in a decision by Zeus that he would spend four months with Persephone, four months with Venus and four months with whomever he wished. According to mythological traditions, Adonis was killed by a wild boar during a hunt - either sent by Artemis, or Ares in disguise. Aphrodite pleaded for Adonis' life with Zeus, who allowed the youth to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld.

CONDITION

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LOT 0142