Bronze Applique of Silenus

Culture: Roman

Period: 1st-2nd century A.D.

Material: Bronze, silver, lead

Dimensions: 7.7 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3685

Provenance: Dutch private collection prior to 2002. Thence Hirsch Auktion Munich on 14 Feburary 2023, lot 137.

Condition: Intact

Description: Masterly worked out bronze applique of a bearded Silenus. The servant of Dionysus wears a strictly symmetrical laid out wreath with ivy leaves and corymbs. His eyes inlayed in silver look out from bulging brows. The forehead in deep folds. The protruding ears and the slightly open mouth, which is flanked by a cascading moustache, radiate a particularly strong, almost martial expression. The thick full beard is skilfully engraved in cold work. The applique is filled in the back with a lead core, which lends a significant weight. It once possibly adorned a very high-quality furniture. On top and at the bottom perforations for suspension. Mounted.