Greek Terracotta Miniature Crouching Ithyphallic Silenus Statuette

拍品描述

Southern Europe, Greece, Greek, ca. 600–400 BCE. A miniature moulded terracotta statuette of a crouching silenus, the squat body pitched forward on short, splayed legs. The broad head sinks into the shoulders and is framed by a heavy, rounded beard and full, ridged locks. Small round ears flank a snub-nosed, almost leonine face. The paunchy torso and stocky thighs frame his exposed genitals, a frank detail typical of the unruly companions of Dionysos. Traces of pinkish-red pigment survive across the pale clay, so the figure was once brightly painted. Statuettes like this, small enough to cup in one hand, were likely dedicated at sanctuaries, placed in graves, or kept as amulets, where their comic bodies may have been thought to ward off misfortune. Size: 2.875" H x 1.75" L x 1" W (7.3 cm H x 4.4 cm L x 2.5 cm W). Sileni and satyrs were the hybrid followers of Dionysos, part human and part horse or goat. In Greek art they stand for appetite let loose: wine, music, dancing, and sex. Older sileni were usually shown as balding, bearded, and pot-bellied, and the type was linked to Silenos, the drunken but wise tutor of the god. Coroplasts in workshops across the Greek world turned out small moulded figures of these grotesque companions. Their exaggerated bodies were probably as funny to ancient viewers as they are now, and in religious settings that comedy may also have served as protective magic. SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item #205609

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