G15

Greek fine pottery head of a satyr

£200

Sorry this item has sold

A very finely moulded pottery fragment depicting a reclining or contorting satyr.

The satyr is depicted as an elderly male with a braided beard, bushy eye-brows and a "pug nose". His upper torso is exceptionally muscular which serves to hint at the savage and wild side of his character.

A garland appears at the back of the head hinting to a Dionysian connection but the muscular torso is not that of a reveller or the god Papasilenos.

Greek, c. 4th or 3rd Century BC

Fragment as shown, extensive traces of orange surface glaze.

Size: 5.4 x 2.5 cms

Ex. private collection, Germany. Acquired 1960's/1970's.