A white marble group of Semele and the young Dionysus

on a rectangular marble pedestal

In overall good condition with minor marks, dents and scratches. Minor chips to the extremities.
"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."

In one version of the myth, Semele was a priestess of Zeus, and was observed by Zeus as she slaughtered a bull at his altar. Afterwards she swam in the river Asopus to clean herself. Zeus fell in love with Semele and afterwards repeatedly visited her secretly. Zeus' wife, Hera, a goddess jealous of usurpers, discovered his affair with Semele when she became pregnant.
After Semele is killed by a list of Hera, Zeus rescued the fetal Dionysus by sewing him into his thigh. A few months later, Dionysus was reborn.
When he grew up, Dionysus rescued his mother from Hades and she became a goddess on Mount Olympus.