Description
Part man and part beast, satyrs were mythical woodland creatures. In art, they were depicted with the ears and tail of a goat or horse, sometimes with hooves, and in a high state of sexual arousal. Satyrs often accompanied Dionysus, the god of wine, in his drinking bouts and other escapades. These three probably once decorated the rim of a large punch-bowl–shaped vessel for serving wine.
Provenance
Norbert Schimmel, NY; Sotheby's, NY sale 12/16/92, no. 53 (1992 ); Norbert Schimmel, NY; (Sotheby's, NY sale 12/16/92, no. 53)
Accession Number
1992.352.2
Medium
painted terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 9.5 x 8 x 5.5 cm (3 3/4 x 3 1/8 x 2 3/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund