Lot 908

Description

Ithyphallic figure of the striding, bearded god with goat's horns and pointed ears. The slightly bent arms stretched outwards to the sides. The half-open hands were originally connected to objects that are not preserved. Slightly oversized nipples. Thighs covered with hairy goat's hide, transitioning into cloven hooves. The dorsal musculature strongly stylised, rendered by a groove that is split at the top. The hoof of the left foot broken off. The hooves were connected on the bottom by a flat crossbar, partially preserved, which still retains a rivet hole for attachment. The preserved portion of the crossbar is hanging from the right hoof and bent upwards. Figures of the same type and almost identical design are known from auctions at Bonhams (29. April 2004, lot 67, ex Christos G. Bastis Collection. Formerly on loan to the Brooklyn Museum of Art, 1983-1999) and Sotheby's (28. November 1990, lot 79, William Herbert Hunt Collection). There, the figure stands with the left hoof on a round base. All figures of this type were presumably part of implements or vessels, but now, detached from this context, appear as autonomous sculptures. Dark green Patina with Red oxide spots. Height 12 cm. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: Acquired by the current owner on March 5, 2024, at Timeline Auctions, Harwich, Lot 0270 (erroneously described there as a “Parthian bronze bestial figure”). Consigned by the heirs of an English collection assembled in the English art market prior to 2000.

Condition: II - III Questions about the lot?