Bronze Statuette of a Satyr with a Torch and Wineskin in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2013

Bronze statuette of a satyr with a torch and wineskin

Period:Hellenistic

Date:3rd–2nd century B.C.

Culture:Greek

Medium:Bronze

Dimensions:H. 9 15/16 in. (25.3 cm)

Classification:Bronzes

Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1941

Accession Number:41.11.6

Thiasoi were jubilant celebrations in honor of Dionysos that were attended by satyrs and maenads. From ancient literature, we learn that thiasoi occurred outdoors, and often at night. This fine bronze satyr can be identified as a participant in one such revel. An unusual aspect of his iconography is the inverted torch, a motif with great narrative potential, for the satyr may be extinguishing it or perhaps lighting it from a hearth. The full wineskin implies the latter and evokes the promise of a long, boisterous evening of drunken merriment.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/253624