Rome, Eastern Empire, ca. 100 to 200 CE. Probably a bas-relief architectural frieze from a building, this carved limestone pieces depicts the lower halves of a woman and satyr's bodies; the woman is holding the satyr's arm. Behind them, small presumably due to perspective, is the complete body of a goat with large, symmetrical horns; the goat looks towards the backs of the two larger figures with its head tilted inquisitively. The details of his woolly coat and the satyr's furry legs are particularly fine. Both goats and satyrs are generally associated with the Roman god known as Faunus, Lupercus, or Pan, the god of shepherds; they were sacrificed in large quantities during the festival of Lupercalia. Friezes like this one would have decorated small temples or the exteriors of households; they probably told common stories from mythology. Within a century, Roman friezes like this one would have begun to depict Christian scenes rather than pagan, making this one representative of the end of an era. Size: 15-1/2"W x 15"H x 8-1/2"L (39 cm x 38 cm x 22 cm). IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to size and weight, crating will be required. Please inquire about shipping.

Provenance: Ex-private Simonian Collection, Switzerland, acquired before 1985.

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#110505

Fragmentary, with age-related surface wear and loss, as shown.