Published Greek Terracotta Roundel of Satyr - TL Tested

Greece, late Hellenistic period, ca. 1st century BCE. An impressive, mold-made terracotta roundel, presenting with a raised rim, a projecting head of a satyr, and nice remains of white pigment. Rendered with remarkable realism, the youthful figure slightly turns to his right and gazes forward, boasting a naturalistic countenance of recessed eyes beneath arched brows, a pointed nose, and closed lips held in a gentle smile. This classical visage is framed by a thick coiffure with cascading locks and capped by a short pair of curved horns that protrude from just above his forehead. A torq or collar surrounds the god's neck, while the rest of the roundel presents a relief of radiating scales or plumes. The raised border is further adorned by incised striations that nicely frame the ancient bust. A pair of perforations are featured at the top of the head, allowing the roundel to be suspended. Size: 8.3" W x 9.2" H (21.1 cm x 23.4 cm); 10.3" H (26.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Hellenistic figural busts like this example are inspired by the many regal portraits of Alexander the Great, though such meticulous stylization could be applied to both male and female subjects. Terracotta roundels, like this example, served as oscilla - votive offerings designed to sway in the wind - and were in widespread production in southern Italy during the Hellenistic period.

In earlier Greek art, satyrs appear as grotesque, old, and ugly; however, in later art, especially in Attic works, these characteristics were softened to present a more youthful and graceful aspect, as we see here. We witness this humanization or transformation of the Satyr in late Greek art. The depiction on this example may be modeled upon this humanized depiction. Another example of this shift occurs in the portrayal of Medusa and in that of the Amazon, characters who are traditionally depicted as barbaric and uncivilized. A humanized Satyr is also depicted in a work of Praxiteles known as the "Resting Satyr."

Published in "Our Collective Past: A Selection of Objects from Antiquity." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 2006, fig. 8.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available for $50 to the buyer. Please contact us to request.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-private United States collection

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#167508
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple large pieces, with restoration and resurfacing along break lines. Expected nicks, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments. TL hole to lower area of verso.