Accession Number1970/1.193
TitleBust of a Satyr
Artist(s)Massimiliano Soldani BenziObject Creation Datecirca 1695Medium & Supportbronze on wood baseDimensions 18 11/16 in. x 9 13/16 in. x 5 11/16 in. ( 47.5 cm x 25 cm x 14.5 cm )
Subject matterIn Greek mythology satyrs were spirits of the forests and mountains and attendants of the god of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus. They were half-human, combining the head and torso of a man with the legs and cloven hooves of a goat, and were often associated with sloth, lechery, and drunken excess.
Physical DescriptionThis small bust-length figure represents a mustached satyr turning his head toward his left. He wears an animal skin tied at his right shoulder over his bare chest. The liquid character of the cast bronze admirably captures the rippling muscles of the satyr's chest and the flowing curls of his hair and the animal pelt.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypecastingAdditional Object Classification(s)MetalworkCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
bronzes (visual works)
literary theory
satyrs