Imperial Romain Bronze Statuette of a Dwarf Silene
from the 1st-2nd century A.D.
In very good condition with superb patina even if the right hand is lost.
He is identified as Silenus by his pointed ears, snub nose, and the wavy incisions on his body, which indicate that he was once hairy. His head is crowned, and in his left hand he holds a bunch of grapes.
Hand-modelled, the sculpture depicts a figure of indeterminate gender, characterised above all by the obvious deformation of its spine: its back forms a large hump, emphasised by the spine, which is slightly raised, and by the rendering of the ribs, painted dark brown. This deformity causes the figure’s torso to lean abnormally forwards and to the left.
The ring is made of solid silver and is hexagonal in shape, but unfortunately the metal has suffered severe corrosion. It is topped by a circular cabochon, cut from a disc of bright red carnelian, which features, carved into its hollow centre, a magnificent male bust: the figure depicted, seen in left profile, is Asclepius, with a youthful appearance.