Roman, 300 – 350 A.D.

Terracotta

H: 21.9 cm (8.6 in)

Serial: 35488 

This vase is shaped as a satyr's head, identified by his pointed ears. He looks grotesque, with his wide-open stare, thick eyebrows raised high, and wide grin, which exposes two rows of sharp teeth. Nevertheless, the ornamental detail of the locks of hair, short bifurcated beard, and rosettes along the hairband are in complete symmetry.

Provenance

Sotheby’s, London, 6 July 1995, lot 45;

The Gilbert collection, Cambridge, Massachusetts, acquired in London, 6 July 1995.

Exhibited

La Biennale, Grand Palais, Paris, 11-17 September 2019;

PAD London, Berkeley Square, London, 30 September 6 - October 2019

Published

Sotheby’s, London, 6 July 1995, lot 45;

Harvard Museum;

The Gilbert Collection: by Phoenix Ancient Art, New York, 2019, no. 246