Description:
A small but well modelled hollow bronze head with a very strong facial expression. Depicted is a bearded satyr who has pointed ears and wavy hair. His mouth is open, and he is slightly frowning, which gives him an angry look.
There are three drilled recesses and four drilled holes on the head, mostly at the back. It is unknown for what purpose these were made; it has been suggested that the head was part of a pouring vessel and that strainer holes were added to it, but this is far from certain; in fact, the location at the back of the head speaks against this idea, because it would imply that the face was looking upwards when liquids were poured.
Dating:
Roman, first - second century C.E.
Size:
Height 4.1 cm.
Provenance:
Private Dutch collection, acquired at Bonhams Knightsbridge London, 22 April 1999, lot 336.
Condition:
Fragment of a larger object, possibly a statuette (or vessel?), from which it was broken off, as can be seen at the back of the neck and around the beard. Else intact with a lovely patina and an expressive look. With a custom made mount.
Price:
€ 2.800
Stock number:
C1057