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A FRAGMENTARY GROUP OF A SATYR STRUGGLING WITH A HERMAPHRODITE, CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D. | A Fragmentary Group of a Satyr Struggling with a Hermaphrodite
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- marble
- Length 57cm; width 38cm; height 32cm.
the Hermaphrodite nude except for a mantle covering the upper legs, seated on a rocky outcrop and leaning back slightly with the left hand resting on the rocky outcrop, the right arm extended, and grasping the Satyr who desperately tries to push away.
Provenance
Private Collection, Ticino, 1960s
Paolo Morigi, Magliaso-Lugano, Switzerland, 1970s
Donati Arte Classica, Lugano
Acquired from the above on 14 November 2015
Paolo Morigi, Magliaso-Lugano, Switzerland, 1970s
Donati Arte Classica, Lugano
Acquired from the above on 14 November 2015
Condition
Fragmentary as shown. Satyr: front of proper right thigh and penis fragmentary, belly abraded and chipped, large chip on proper inner thigh. Hermaphrodite: penis missing. Large chip on drapery over proper left side. Surface weathered overall. Superficial stress cracks across drapery against proper right buttock and thigh of Hermaphrodite.
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
The lost Hellenistic Greek bronze original of the present group is known through several Roman marble copies (see A. Stähli, Die Verweigerung der Lüste. Erotische Gruppen in der antiken Plastik, 1999, pp. 90ff.; C. Landwehr, Die römischen Skulpturen von Caesarea Mauretaniae, vol. 3, 2006, pp. 28ff., nos. 191–192, pls. 22ff.). For instance, see Cherchell (http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/objekt/4286), Museo Torlonia (http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/objekt/26799) and Berlin (http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/gruppen/402409). The present sculpture is related to other types of ancient statuary groups showing Dionysiac figures (Satyrs, Silens, Maenads, Pan, etc.) locked in playful, erotic fights, but the present group offers an unusual narrative twist to the theme. The Satyr has made his foray, believing the Hermaphrodite to be a helpless Nymph, but upon close inspection, he has noticed the penis and realised the true nature of his "victim"; too late, however: now the Hermaphrodite won’t let him go. The attacked has become the attacker.