Roman Bronze Youth Holding Grapes, ex-Christie’s

Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A solid bronze figure depicting a young boy, possibly the boy Bacchus, holding a cluster of grapes in his lowered/extended left hand, his right hand holding up the fabric of his tunic, which is filled with grapes, this act exposing his genitalia - suggestive of virility resulting from Dionysian-inspired revelry (as in 'be fruitful and multiply'). He stands upon short, plump legs, his left foot advanced, his head gently tipped to peer at his luscious cluster of grapes, his wavy hair curling at the nape of his neck with a prominent top knot over his forehead. A beautiful piece, in excellent condition, with rich green and russet patina, on a wood block stand. Size: 3.125" H (7.9 cm); 4.5" H (11.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The ancient Romans were the first civilization to cultivate grape vines. Grapes and wine of course were associated with Bacchus (identified in ancient Greece as Dionysos or Dionysus) - the Olympian god of wine, pleasure, ritual madness, ecstasy, and theatre who was sometimes depicted as a bearded adult but alternatively depicted as a youth, with a smooth face. The cult of Bacchus was hugely popular, signifying the freedom created by wine, music, and ecstatic dance. Romans knew the power of partying!

Provenance: private New York collection; ex-Christie’s New York, June 8, 2007, lot 166, Christie's noted Jerusalem Art Market, 1990s
New York Collector acq. Jerusalem Art Market

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#127751

Partial perforation on back, probably for former attachment. Otherwise excellent with beautiful patina. Old inventory label on underside of stand.