Roman Dionysus Statuette
2nd century AD. A detailed bronze statuette of the mature god Dionysus (Roman Bacchus) or his worshipper with neat beard and wreath in his hair, standing naked and holding a wine jug in his right hand, an animal skin, possibly a panther, cloak in his left; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Similar statuette sold in the Artemis Auction of 13 June 2013. 51 grams total, 85mm including stand (3 1/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired on the UK art market from 1960-2000. The ancient Greeks believed the panther was one of the favoured mounts of the god, therefore Bacchus is often represented wrapped in a panther skin or riding a panther in the Dionysian processions. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils.
Condition Report: Fine condition.
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2nd century AD. A detailed bronze statuette of the mature god Dionysus (Roman Bacchus) or his worshipper with neat beard and wreath in his hair, standing naked and holding a wine jug in his right hand, an animal skin, possibly a panther, cloak in his left; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Similar statuette sold in the Artemis Auction of 13 June 2013. 51 grams total, 85mm including stand (3 1/4"). From the private collection of Antony John Scammell (1937-2019); acquired on the UK art market from 1960-2000. The ancient Greeks believed the panther was one of the favoured mounts of the god, therefore Bacchus is often represented wrapped in a panther skin or riding a panther in the Dionysian processions. Antony John Scammell (1937-2019) was born, and lived his entire life, in the city of Bristol, England. Already from an early age he was enthralled by history and the heroes that it created. While serving overseas with the British Army, Antony began collecting coins and banknotes and this led to collecting a variety of different items throughout his life. From the early 1960s onward, Antony invested in acquiring ancient artefacts. Antony's vast collections started with Egyptian antiquities, but soon branched into Greek and Roman civilisations. The Roman civilisation fascinated him most and, when family commitments allowed, archaeological digs were coordinated in the west of England. These digs uncovered numerous artefacts, many of which were donated to local museums. In retirement, the collecting continued apace, branching into UK coins, British Empire banknotes and fossils.
Condition Report: Fine condition.
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