Terracotta Antefix of a Silenus from Taranto

Culture: Greek/Taranto

Period: Late 5th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 18.3 cm x 19 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 2475

Provenance: Collection Tom Virzi (1881-1974), New York. Then in a Swiss collection. Later Cahn Gallery, Basel. Acquired there in 2000 by P. A. E. Hollander, Switzerland. After that at Alexander Ancient Art in Amsterdam. Most recently in the German private collection of Sigrid Fiebig, Bad Herrenalb.

Condition: Unrestored, the lower side has chips, as can be seen in the photo.

Description: Expressive, round antefix of light, yellowish clay with the head of a bearded Silenus. The tutor and later companion of Dionysus with thick hair, parted in the centre, and cascading in thick strands along the sides. His eyes are wide open between thick lids, the brows arching from the bridge of the nose. The wrinkles on the forehead are deeply drawn. Silenus’ mouth is slightly open, forming a shouting gesture, the long moustache cascades along the sides, the full beard is thick and shaggy. Silenus appears almost philosophical, not as the furious companion of Dionysus, but as his wise tutor. From Tarent. See for the type: Helga Herdejürgen „Götter, Menschen und Dämonen. Terrakotten aus Unteritalien“, Basel, Mainz 1978, page 92, number C10. Mounted.