Statuette of Priapus
2nd-3rd century CE
Description
This small, marble statuette represents the bearded god Priapus. The god wears a long cloak over his shoulders that is cinched with a high belt. He holds up his tunic to carry a bunch of fruit, which in turn reveals his erect phallus. His short legs are broken at the knees, but likely bore high-laced boots. The god slightly advances his right leg, though the feet are now lost. His hair is gathered in a bun at the back of the neck and the he wears a headband. The area around the legs is deeply drilled and there is a drill hole under the lower right arm.
Dimensions
9.1 x 4.5 x 2.7 cm (3 9/16 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/16 in.)
Provenance
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.
Related Artworks
View MoreMetal
ThaiTerracotta
GreekTerracotta; light brown clay with traces of white and red paint
CypriotClay, unfired
Central AsianLeaded bronze
3rd century BCEEtruscanStone
3rd-2nd millennium BCEEgyptianBlue glass paste
18th centuryBritishWhite relief head on light-blue ground
18th centuryBritishFaience
11th-10th century BCEEgyptianTerracotta
17th centuryItalian
Bronze
20th centuryAmericanGilt bronze
18th centuryTibetan