Marble statuette of young Dionysos

Unknown

1st–2nd century CE · Marble · Greek and Roman Art

Adaptation of a Greek statue type of the late 4th century B.C. The god is nude except for the nebris (fawn skin) worn diagonally at his right shoulder. Long locks of hair are falling onto the shoulders and back. There are remains of a support on the left flank, while traces of red paint are still visible between the locks of hair in front. The statuette belongs to a series of Roman eclectic sculptures that refer back to a late classical Greek type. The s-curve and slight twist of the torso to the right for example are direct quotes of works by Praxiteles. The young Dionysos became quite popular during the reign of Hadrian in the second century A.D. Most probably the statuette was a decorative piece, although a votive context should also be considered.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st–2nd century CE

Medium

Marble

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward Klagsbrun and Joan Saslow, in memory of Dr. Henny Durst, 2011