Getty Museum

Scarab with Dancing Satyr

Date

500–475 B.C.

Medium

Cornelian

Culture

Etruscan

Department

Jewelry

Institution

Getty Museum

Scarab gem engraved with a dancing satyr with equine feet. Advancing vigorously to the left, the satyr's right leg is lifted and he raises his right head behind his head, while looking back over his left shoulder with his left hand on his hip. He has long hair, a beard, and a large pointed ear; the crown of the head is smooth and there is a thick fringe of hair across his forehead. He performs a satyr dance known as the "sikinnis," which may have been inspired by military exercises. The movements feature acrobatic leaps, angular poses of the arms and legs, and prancing in the manner of a young horse. The scene is framed by a dot border.

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