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Unknown Maker, Roman

Head of a Satyr Grasped by the Hair

Maker

Unknown Maker, Roman

Culture

Roman

Title

Head of a Satyr Grasped by the Hair

Period

Hellenistic

Year

ca. CE 150

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

white marble

Dimensions

27.2 x 17.7 x 17.2 cm (10 11/16 x 6 15/16 x 6 3/4 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

26.165

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Rethinking the Romans
New Views of Ancient Sculpture
Apr 06, 2001 – Jan 02, 2009

Label copy

The pointed ears and facial features of this figure indicate that he is a satyr, a semihuman follower of the god of wine, Dionysus/Bacchus. The small hand that grasps his hair allows the identification of the type of sculptural group to which this fragment belonged. The original composition was of a nymph rejecting the advances of a satyr. Such Roman groupings were based on Hellenistic amorous or erotic subjects, most of which involved satyrs being warded off by uninterested parties. Their function in Roman settings is difficult to determine. They may have been votive sculptures set in Dionysiac sanctuaries or privately commissioned works to serve decorative functions.

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Roman
Head of a Satyr Grasped by the Hair, ca. CE 150
Marble
27.2 x 17.7 x 17.2 cm (10 11/16 x 6 15/16 x 6 3/4 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 26.165

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