Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A cast-bronze attachment depicting a maskette of Silenus, the teacher and elder companion of the god of wine Bacchus (Greek Dionysus). The expressive visage presents with a bushy beard surrounding full lips, flared ears, a prominent nose with broad nostrils, and recessed orbitals beneath a deeply furrowed brow. Remains of bitumen within the orbitals suggest that the eyes were inlaid with decorative pieces of stone or shell. The recessed verso suggests that this maskette was intended to decorate a larger object like a piece of furniture, a chariot, or a sizable chest. Size: 1.05" W x 1.43" H (2.7 cm x 3.6 cm)
Satyrs were powerful symbols in ancient Rome, associated with the joy of the Bacchanal. Silenus was an older satyr-like figure who was a companion to Bacchus (Greek Dionysus). The consumption of wine was an important social activity in Roman society and Silenus was commonly added to decorative items to signify the owner's affiliation with the cult of Bacchus. Themes of the god and his followers were particularly popular during the early part of this time period, as control of the Mediterranean shifted from Greece to Rome.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#175581
Condition
Minor abrasions and nicks commensurate with age, with earthen deposits within some recessed areas, and chipping to remaining bitumen within orbitals, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina and preservation to finer details throughout!