Getty Museum

Statuette of a Reclining Satyr

Date

450–425 B.C.

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Greek or South Italian

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

Reclining like a guest at a symposion, or aristocratic drinking party, this satyr rests on his left elbow with his ankles casually crossed. With his relaxed pose and the fillet or ribbon in his hair, this civilized satyr looks much like any human reveler, with only his large goat-like ears betraying his animal nature. In Greek mythology, satyrs were the companions of Dionysos, the god of wine. The unknown sculptor of this statuette has taken the symposion, a social ritual from the world of men, and transferred it to Dionysos's realm. This figure has a nearly identical twin in a private collection and the two pieces were probably used together in antiquity. Reclining satyrs were a popular decoration for vessels used at symposia. Although no traces of any attachments marks remain, this statuette and its mate probably once decorated the rim or handles of a large bronze krater or mixing vessel for wine and water.

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