Corinthian Figurine: Fragmentary Squatting Satyr

Inv. No.: 92.003
Provenance: Corinth
Date: c. 450 BC
Height: 79mm
Diameter: 36mm
 
The head and torso of a satyr with a moulded head and a body that has been shaped by hand. The satyr is bald and has animal ears, arched eyebrows, large eyes, a snub nose, a long moustache and a jutting beard. Overall, his face is mask-like. His body is much simpler: the trunk is a plain cylinder and the limbs are formed from rolls of clay. His arms are held out from his sides, but only the top sections remain. His legs are also spread apart: both are broken off, at the top of the thigh on the right and above the knee on the left. He has a large phallus. Comparison with similar figures suggests that he would have been squatting on his tail, but this is also broken off in this example. The clay is very fine and cream-coloured, typical Corinthian features. Traces of orange-red remain on the surface.

Function:
A memento of a satyr play; such figures were also used for funerary purposes.

Manufacture:
A mould-made head and a hand-made body.

Bibliography:
Bieber, M., The History of the Greek and Roman Theater, second edition, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 1961.

Green, J. R., Theatre in Ancient Greek Society, London and New York, Routledge, 1994.

Higgins, R. A., Catalogue of the Terracottas in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, second edition, London, British Museum, 1969, I (Text), 253-254.

Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, 81-84.

Trendall, A. D. and T. B. L. Webster, Illustrations of Greek Drama, London, Phaidon, 1971.

Webster, T. B. L., Greek Theatre Production, second edition, London, Methuen, 1970.

Comparanda:
Hanfmann, G. M. A., Classical Sculpture, London, Michael Joseph, 1967, Plate V (three dancing terracotta satyrs; c. 480 BC).

Higgins, R. A., Catalogue of the Terracottas in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, second edition, London, British Museum, 1970, I (Plates), Plate 133, 932-935; see also Volume 1: Text (1969), 253-254.

Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, Plate 36, E.