Fine Antiquities, Islamic Art, Rugs, and Carpets
Lot 16:
Description
This finely crafted Roman rock crystal figure, dating to the 2nd century A.D, depicts Silenus, the mythological companion of Dionysus, holding a cluster of grapes. The figure, with its intricate detailing, captures the robust and elderly features characteristic of Silenus, including a prominent beard, bald head, and a corpulent physique, all meticulously rendered in the translucent rock crystal.
Silenus, often depicted in a state of jovial intoxication, was a symbol of the wine god’s entourage, and this figure likely held significance in the context of Roman religious or domestic settings, perhaps as a votive offering or a decorative object reflecting the owner’s wealth and taste.
Provenance: Private UK collection.
H: 5cm
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