Roman, Imperial period, ca. 2nd century CE. An excellent leaded bronze figure of the Greco-Roman god Priapus - god of fertility and protector of vegetation, livestock, and male genitals - cast using the lost wax (cire perdue) method. Wearing a sleeveless tunic, the humorous deity holds before him an offering tray of fruit - a symbol of abundance - just above his massive, erect phallus, a quite prominent allusion to his fertility and indication to the link between fecundity and fruitfulness. His bearded head gazes forward crowned by a lush coiffure as he balances on the tips of his toes atop an integral plinth. Size: 0.9" W x 2.6" H (2.3 cm x 6.6 cm)
Serving as the inspiration for the modern-day garden gnome, statues of Priapus in a pointed hat were commonly placed in the gardens of ancient Greece and Rome, where he served as a promoter of growth, a guardian of the crops and home, and a threat to potential thieves. Furthermore, due to high acclaim throughout the Roman Empire, he inspired "Priapeia" - a collection of 80 (some editions featuring 95) anonymous, obscene Latin poems pertaining to Priapus, thought to date to the 1st century CE or the early 2nd century CE. Priapus' permanent erection gave rise to the medical term priapism.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Hindman Auctions, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired May 25, 2023, lot 212; ex-private Connecticut, USA collection, 1980s
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#179800
Condition
Expected light surface wear with nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and rich patina throughout.