Getty Museum

Statuette of Priapus

Date

1st–2nd century A.D.

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

Small figurine of Priapus, the god of fertility. He has a flowing beard, deeply-set eyes and wears a cap on his head. With sandals on his feet, he is dressed in a long-sleeved tunic and himation. Priapus grasps the sides of his garment, lifting it upwards to create a deep fold that overflows with masses of fruit and agricultural produce. In lifting his himation, he reveals his enormous phallus, creating a vivid connection between fertility and abundance.

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