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 MoreMolded, medium gray earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white ground
6th centuryChineseTerracotta
RomanTerracotta
GreekTerracotta
CypriotCarved bamboo root
Chinese
Plaster
20th centuryFrenchSilver
20th centuryAmericanPlaster
20th centuryGermanPlaster with Pigment
17th centuryFrenchBronze plaque
20th centuryAmericanFine grained, very dark gray phyllite; from Northern Bengal
12th centuryIndianPlaster