This Roman bronze appliqué from the High Empire (1st–2nd century AD) depicts a youthful male face with mythological features, carved in relief on a circular plaque. The piece, measuring 4 × 4 × 1 cm, has a series of regular perforations around its perimeter, indicating that it was originally attached to a larger object, such as a piece of furniture, an equestrian harness, or a ceremonial item. Its good state of preservation allows the modeling of the face and expressive details to be clearly appreciated. The figure displays a rounded and serene countenance, with large eyes, closed lips, and hair arranged in curly strands that gather on top of the head, forming an almost ornamental structure. Upon closer inspection, the pointed ears stand out, an anatomical feature that unmistakably refers to the Dionysian world and allows the figure to be identified as that of a young satyr or a silenus, semi-divine creatures who accompanied the god Dionysus (Bacchus). These hybrid beings, half human and half animal, symbolized vitality, pleasure, and fertility, and their presence on Roman decorative objects had an apotropaic function, that is, protection from evil. During the High Empire, the faces of satyrs and sileni were a widespread motif in domestic and military ornamentation. Their styles ranged from grotesque representations to idealized and youthful versions, such as this appliqué, where expressiveness is toned down to suit refined Roman taste. Pieces of this type were usually made in specialized workshops, which produced cast bronze appliqués to embellish boxes, luxury furniture, vehicles, or equestrian harnesses, combining aesthetics and symbolism. The gentle modeling and balance of the face reflect the technical mastery of imperial bronze makers, capable of imbuing small works with a remarkable sculptural sense. The slight darkening of the surface, with traces of green patina, is characteristic of the natural oxidation of ancient bronze and contributes to the feeling of antiquity and authenticity conveyed by the piece. Formal parallels exist in examples from Pompeii, Ostia, and the Danube region, where satyr faces of similar size and workmanship have been found, used for ornamental or votive purposes. All of these demonstrate the persistence of Bacchic imagery in Roman daily life and the fusion of art, myth, and practical function that characterized the decorative art of the Empire. In short, this appliqué constitutes an exquisite testament to Roman artistic syncretism, in which the Dionysian myth becomes a protective ornament and a symbol of the vital energy that animated the domestic and ceremonial spaces of the ancient world. Acquired from a Spanish private collection, F.C.B in the 80's. -The piece includes an authenticity certificate. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks. IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %. Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.