In Greek mythology, Silenus is a deity of the forest, drunkenness and wine. He is well known for being the companion to Dionysus and is closely associated with the satyrs. Silenus is said to have raised Dionysus as well as tutor him along with his passion for wine. Dionysus was left in Silenus’ care after being born from Zeus’s thigh and dropped off by Hermes. Although Silenus was believed to be the strongest of the satyrs, he took up a human form in Greek art, presented as a bald man with a shrugged beard, upturned nose and a round belly. His original depiction often consisted of horse features rather than goat which differentiated him from the satyrs. The deity is frequently depicted with a wine glass and drunk although he was considered extremely wise and could tell the future and past of people he crossed.
Roman Bronze Silenus Casket Fitting
£ 775.00
A fine Roman casket fitting of Silenus cast from bronze. The deity is depicted slightly hunched over with his hands on his hips. He is wearing a hind skirt held up with rope which leads to a lion’s foot below. The man displays a bald head with a thick, wispy beard and a pot-belly, all qualities of Silenus. The piece is mounted on a custom-made stand.
Provenance: From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Condition: Very fine condition, minor chip to left elbow. Measurements of the fitting without the stand; 6.1cm height, 3.3cm
In stock
| Weight | 203.9 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 4.5 x H 9 cm |
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