French, late 17th century

rich brown patina

Overall condition good. Wear to patina in particular to the back, the calves of this legs and back. Traces of reddish translucent lacquer. Surface dirt in particular to the beard and vine leafs adorning his head.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present bronze of Silenus is of outstanding quality, a fine thin-walled and light cast covered with a beautiful light brown patina, enhanced by meticulous punching and chiselling, rendering with great freshness the details of hair and modelling of the body. This bronze is probably the work of a Franco-Flemish sculptor of the late 17th century where the iconography of Silenus was particularly popular. It seems that the artist was inspired by a Roman marble statue of the so called 'Drunken Papposilenus', dating from the 2nd century CE, today in the Louvre museum in Paris (inv. no. MR343).

Silenus is considered to be the oldest, wisest teacher and faithful companion of the wine-god Dionysos. Son of  Pan and a nymph, he is represented as a jolly bearded old man with hairy body and legs, holding a cup in his hand and crowned with wine on his forehead. A notorious consumer of wine, he is often drunk and has to be supported by satyrs or carried by a donkey.  When intoxicated, Silenus was said to possess the power of prophecy. When Silenus was lost and wandering in Phrygia, he was rescued by peasants and taken to King Midas who treated him kindly in his house. Dionysus handsomely rewarded Midas for his hospitality, who chose the power of turning everything he touched into gold.

Sometimes considered as an Italian cast, three other versions of this bronze are known today, an almost identical bronze belonged to the Rodolphe Hottinguer (1835-1920) collection (sold at Christie's, Paris, 2 et 3 dec. 2003, lot 147), one in an English private collection, and another cast is in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (A83.1956, Hildbugh bequest).

RELATED LITERATURE:
A. Pasquier, J. L. Martinez, Praxiteles, ex. cat. Paris, Louvre, museum, 2007, p. 255, fig. 169; Ex. cat. La sculpture au siècle de Rubens, Musée d'art ancien, Bruxelles, 1977, p. 76 and p. 103