Statuette of Dionysos

Description

This bronze figure of Dionysos, the god of wine, theater, and the mysteries, is presented in a style recalling Archaic Greek art, most noticeably in his stiff pose and trimmed beard. The more naturalistic folds of his garment speak to a later date, in the Roman period. The disk attached at the top of the head suggests that this figure was once part of an ornate piece of furniture, perhaps a stand or support. In his right hand, the god likely held a kantharos or other attribute. He would have been further embellished with inlaid copper (lips), silver (whites of eyes), and perhaps gilding (garment).

Provenance

[]

Statuette of Dionysos

[]

50 BCE–50 CE

Accession Number

1995.9

Medium

bronze and silver and traces of gilding, hollow cast

Dimensions

Overall: 39.7 x 17.8 x 16.1 cm (15 5/8 x 7 x 6 5/16 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Given in honor of Arthur Fleischman by his parents, Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman