Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Terracotta Rare Erotic Satyr - 9 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,000
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Rare erotic satyr in terracotta from the Greek–Hellenistic period, dating to the 3rd–1st century BCE, height 9 cm and width 3.7 cm, provenance: former private collection, Belgium; authentic original; acquired in 2025; EU‑only shipping.
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Description from the seller
Attention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside of the European Union
Erotic satyr in terracotta.
Description:
Rare terracotta figurine molded statue representing a satyr in a grotesque and erotic posture, characteristic of the Hellenistic taste for caricatured and Dionysian figures.
The figure is depicted standing, the body stocky, with a markedly protruding belly, legs bent and spread apart. Its expressive face features deliberately exaggerated traits: deeply defined eyes, a wide nose and an open mouth. It is topped with an imposing headdress or theatrical bonnet, which reinforces the comic nature of the representation.
A kind of cloak or animal skin is arranged around the shoulders and drapes down the back. The satyr holds in his right hand an attribute difficult to identify with certainty, perhaps an object related to the Dionysian or theatrical repertoire.
The composition, deliberately truculent, belongs to the register of Hellenistic terracotta figures mixing theater, grotesque, erotism and the world of Dionysus.
The statuette is molded in the round and on the reverse presents a wide circular firing mark, characteristic of the terracotta figurine technique of this period.
The surface preserves in places traces of white highlights, particularly interesting, bearing witness to the original polychromy of the statuette.
Era:
Hellenistic period, 3rd – 1st centuries BCE.
Material: Terracotta with traces of white highlights.
Height: 9 cm.
Width: 3.7 cm.
Provenance: Former private collection of Mr. V. W., acquired in the 1990s.
Condition: Very good overall considering its age, with wear and surface accretions. A particularly rare and expressive subject.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateAttention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside of the European Union
Erotic satyr in terracotta.
Description:
Rare terracotta figurine molded statue representing a satyr in a grotesque and erotic posture, characteristic of the Hellenistic taste for caricatured and Dionysian figures.
The figure is depicted standing, the body stocky, with a markedly protruding belly, legs bent and spread apart. Its expressive face features deliberately exaggerated traits: deeply defined eyes, a wide nose and an open mouth. It is topped with an imposing headdress or theatrical bonnet, which reinforces the comic nature of the representation.
A kind of cloak or animal skin is arranged around the shoulders and drapes down the back. The satyr holds in his right hand an attribute difficult to identify with certainty, perhaps an object related to the Dionysian or theatrical repertoire.
The composition, deliberately truculent, belongs to the register of Hellenistic terracotta figures mixing theater, grotesque, erotism and the world of Dionysus.
The statuette is molded in the round and on the reverse presents a wide circular firing mark, characteristic of the terracotta figurine technique of this period.
The surface preserves in places traces of white highlights, particularly interesting, bearing witness to the original polychromy of the statuette.
Era:
Hellenistic period, 3rd – 1st centuries BCE.
Material: Terracotta with traces of white highlights.
Height: 9 cm.
Width: 3.7 cm.
Provenance: Former private collection of Mr. V. W., acquired in the 1990s.
Condition: Very good overall considering its age, with wear and surface accretions. A particularly rare and expressive subject.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Greek, Hellenistic
Century/timeframe
IIIème - Ier siècle avant J-C.
Name of object
Rare Erotic Satyr
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
9 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Width
3.7 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
