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LOT 0027A

Roman Bronze Oil Lamp - Erotic Satyr on Horse Head

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Roman, Egypt, ca. 2nd century BCE. A very heavy bronze oil lamp of a generally pear shape depicting a humanized Satyr riding a horse in a somewhat erotic fashion. The lamp has a flared foot and suspension loops - one above the horse's snout and one behind the satyr's head. Finely delineated with details in relief and incised - the half-nozzle upturned with a raised flange. A striking example, replete with impressive form and iconography - as well as a gorgeous patina that has developed over the ages. Size: 5.25" L x 3" H (13.3 cm x 7.6 cm)

In earlier Greek art, Silenos 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. 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".

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, purchased in 1999 from Avraham Rosen, New York, New York, USA. Consignor had the piece vetted by Christie's New York in 2013 - estimate was $6,000 - $8,000.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#146416
Condition Report: Minor nicks to periphery of base. A tiny casting flaw atop the horse's snout and on the satyr's back. Otherwise intact and excellent. Gorgeous green and rich brown patina.

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Time, Location
05 Dec 2019
USA, Louisville, KY
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[ translate ]

Roman, Egypt, ca. 2nd century BCE. A very heavy bronze oil lamp of a generally pear shape depicting a humanized Satyr riding a horse in a somewhat erotic fashion. The lamp has a flared foot and suspension loops - one above the horse's snout and one behind the satyr's head. Finely delineated with details in relief and incised - the half-nozzle upturned with a raised flange. A striking example, replete with impressive form and iconography - as well as a gorgeous patina that has developed over the ages. Size: 5.25" L x 3" H (13.3 cm x 7.6 cm)

In earlier Greek art, Silenos 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. 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".

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, purchased in 1999 from Avraham Rosen, New York, New York, USA. Consignor had the piece vetted by Christie's New York in 2013 - estimate was $6,000 - $8,000.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#146416
Condition Report: Minor nicks to periphery of base. A tiny casting flaw atop the horse's snout and on the satyr's back. Otherwise intact and excellent. Gorgeous green and rich brown patina.

[ translate ]
Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
05 Dec 2019
USA, Louisville, KY
Auction House
Unlock