Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Getty Villa: A Satyr Pouring Wine

From AD 1-100.  This piece shows a satyr pouring wine.  Missing, of course, is the pitcher in his right hand and the cup that was in his left.
 
This piece is actually modelled after a famous piece by Praxiteles (375-340 BC). 
 


Satyr's were part human and part horse or goat.  And, they were typically companions of Dionysos (the Greek God of Wine....note..that is WINE...not WHINE...political commentary should not be implied in that comment).

This sculpture was one of four identical figures that decorated the villa of Domitian (AD 81-96).    This particular piece was missing its head when it was discovered in 1657.  Another head was copied from one of the other statues.  And, it was restored in the later 17th century.

I do recall being at a few parties where the wine flowed and I think I saw horses and goats.......and maybe a pink elephant or two.



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