Greek Terracotta Antefix of a Satyr

Greece, South Italic colonies or Sicily, ca. early 5th century BCE. A striking large ancient Greek terracotta antefix in the form of the head of a satyr with a
furrowed brow, pointed ears, and thick mustache and beard. The ancient Greeks used antefixes to protect and conceal the terracotta tiles along the eaves of roofs, as well as to serve an apotropaic function and ward off bad influences. These were mold made, and almost always in the form of a male or female head - often a character from the rich world of Classical mythology. Satyrs were popular subjects in the ancient world, symbolic of the revels of Dionysus. Size: 5.4" W x 6" H (13.7 cm x 15.2 cm); 11.6" H (29.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-New York, New York, USA collection

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#149707
Condition Report: Small repair to beard. The surface is weathered commensurate with age, with some smoothing to the features, but overall nice preservation of form. The very back of the head is lost.