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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.3413
Title
Bacchus Leaning on a Column
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Dionysos Leaning on a Pillar Which is Surmounted by a Mask of Silenus
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
1st-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304146

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Mixed copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
6.5 x 2.7 x 1.4 cm (2 9/16 x 1 1/16 x 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Mixed Copper Alloy:
Cu, 84.36; Sn, 4.43; Pb, 7.04; Zn, 3.01; Fe, 0.5; Ni, 0.12; Ag, 0.14; Sb, 0.11; As, 0.24; Bi, 0.034; Co, 0.024; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is blackish brown with scattered pits containing blue-green corrosion. The surface is moderately pitted, but there is no deep-seated corrosion. There are thin layers of accretions in the recesses. The tip of the tang is broken.

The object is a solid cast made using the lost-wax process. The crisp, fluid scratches in the back of the head and the finishing marks on the tang appear to have been made in the wax model. The hole through the metal (3 mm in diameter) between the proper right elbow and the torso is original to the manufacture and also appears to have been made in the wax.


Nancy Lloyd (submitted 2001)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.3413
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
A male figure, probably Bacchus (Dionysos) is depicted leaning on a column. The facial features are very indistinct, but he has small raised eyes, a small nose, a raised bump for the mouth, and a small pointed chin. His head is tilted down and to the left, making his right eye substantially higher than his left. The details of this statuette are unclear, but he appears to be wearing an animal skin, the edges of which can be seen draped diagonally across his chest. There may also be drapery represented over his left knee, but his uncovered genitalia are also apparent. The figure stands in an exaggerated S-curve, with his right leg locked and right hip out, left knee bent, and upper body turned to the right. His right arm is placed on his hip, and a circular perforation in the statuette may indicate where a separately formed object, such as a staff or thyrsus, might have been placed. His left arm is bent and rests on the capital of a column, which has a square base. The back is relatively flat and featureless, with only a few molded indications of the body.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art
  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu