Roman head of a Satyr

Roman head of a Satyr
ITEM: Head of a Satyr
MATERIAL: Marble
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 152 mm x 110 mm x 103 mm (without stand), 195 mm x 118 mm x 111 (with stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand and a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database
PROVENANCE: Ex American private collection, New York, acquired before 1980s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

This object has been verified in the the stolen works of art of Interpol database and is accompanied by a search certificate by us.

Roman satyrs were mythological creatures derived from Greek mythology but adapted to fit Roman artistic and literary traditions. Originally, satyrs were depicted as wild, half-human, half-goat beings associated with the god Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman culture), revelry, and untamed nature. In Roman art, they were often shown with human upper bodies, goat-like legs, and small horns on their heads, embodying both the pleasures and excesses of Bacchic festivities. These figures appeared frequently in Roman frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, often engaged in music, dance, or pursuit of nymphs, reflecting their role as symbols of indulgence and hedonism.

In literature and drama, satyrs were linked to comedic and theatrical traditions, particularly in satyr plays, which were a mix of tragedy and farcical humor. Though these plays originated in Greece, the Romans incorporated satyrs into their own theatrical performances and poetry, where they served as mischievous, often lustful figures mocking human folly. Roman poets such as Horace and Ovid referenced satyrs in their works, sometimes using them to explore themes of desire, nature, and the contrast between civilization and the wild. Their portrayal in literature often emphasized their uncivilized and playful nature, reinforcing their association with rustic life and the untamed countryside.

Satyrs also held a religious and symbolic role in Roman society, closely tied to Bacchic rituals and mystery cults. These cults, dedicated to Bacchus, involved ecstatic dances, feasting, and the consumption of wine, with satyrs serving as representations of the uninhibited freedom and pleasure sought in these rites. Some Roman villas featured satyr-themed decorations, particularly in garden sculptures and frescoes, emphasizing their connection to fertility and the natural world. Over time, satyrs became blended with the figure of the faun, a Roman woodland spirit, leading to a more refined and less grotesque depiction in later art and literature.

Measurement:	11 x 15.2 cm
Depth:	10.3 cm