Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Preview image of work. hollow cast bronze, Dancing Satyr 2211

1930.215

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Dancing Satyr

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Artist

Artist Unidentified (Greco-Roman)

Title

Dancing Satyr

Creation Date

0-99 CE

Century

1st century

Dimensions

8 7/16 in. x 4 5/8 in. x 2 1/2 in. (21.5 cm. x 11.75 cm. x 6.35 cm.)

Classification

Sculpture

Creation Place

Ancient Mediterranean

Medium and Support

hollow cast bronze

Credit Line

Gift of Edward Perry Warren, Esq., Honorary Degree, 1926

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1930.215

Satyrs, or fauns, were among the unruly followers of Dionysos (the Roman Bacchus). Artists of the Hellenistic period showed great interest in unusual characters from Greek mythology and delighted in portraying creatures that comprised both animal and human elements. The satyr’s animal skin drapery seems to sway as he moves, and his hair, woven through with grape leaves, is wild, echoing his bacchic dance. He is portrayed in motion, dancing joyfully. He prances, arms flung out, his face captured in a moment of mischievous glee. The sheer volume and energy of this figure urge the viewer to consider it from all angles.

Additional Media

3/4 front view

front

right side

3/4 right rear view

rear view

3/4 left rear view

left side

3/4 left front view