Hellenistic Bronze Statuette of Satyr

Beautifully cast statuette of a satyr, Greek, Hellenistic Period, 3rd-2nd Century BC, solid cast bronze.

The present work is a wonderful example of the finest Hellenistic style. The satyr stands in contrapposto, with his weight on the right leg, the left flexed at the knee, his head looking down and to the left. He has a short, broad nose, a knitted brow surmounting round eyes, a thick beard, pointed ass ears, and wears an ivy wreath.

The anatomical subtlety of the satyr’s torso and legs – a perfect illustration of the Greek interest in representing the human body – contrasts with the bold rendering of the satyr’s facial features and unruly hair. This masterful composition seems to perfectly balance the spirit of its man-animal subject. The statuette is rendered with astonishing grace, notably from the back, where the sinusoidal figure and elongated legs are strikingly apparent.

“Silens and Satyrs settled in companies round the table with the god of the thyrsus… Infinite wine was drunk by all in order; the servers emptied endless fragrant jars as they drew the nectarean juice of the perfect grape.” Nonnus, Dionysiaca 24. 218.

Height: 21 cm (8.27 inches)

Provenance:

1960s-early 1970s European collection.

With Edward Safani (1912-1998), New York.

Acquired from the above by Christos G. Bastis (1904-1999), New York, before 1987.

Sotheby’s, Antiquities from the Collection of the late Christos G. Bastis, New York, 9 December 1999, lot 121.

Subsequently, Galerie Blondeel-Deroyan, Paris.

Subsequently in the collection of fashion designer Kenzo Takada (1939-2020)

Exhibited:

Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, November 20th 1987 - January 10th 1988, as part of the Christos G. Bastis Collection.

Published:

Antiquities from the collection of Christos G. Bastis, catalog of the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Mainz on Rhine: P. von Zabern, 1987: n° 110, p.198 (ill.)

Price

£125000.00

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance