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Marsyas
Roman
Imperial Period
1st–2nd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Marble probably from Carrara in northwest Italy
Dimensions
Height: 59.5 cm (23 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number01.8195
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 170; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 111 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe central part of the tree trunk remains behind; the tail (now missing) was visible at the left side. The head was refastened in antiquity by a dowel which was leaded through a pour-channel from the right side of the neck. The surfaces, with some patina and denting here and there, are unusually fresh and visually attractive.
In this Marsyas the details of body structure, accentuated by the strained position of the figure, are very naturalistically rendered.
Scientific Analysis:
Harvard Lab No. HI712: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.51 / delta18O -3.00, Attribution - Probably Carrara, Justification - Dull white,fine grained marble.
In this Marsyas the details of body structure, accentuated by the strained position of the figure, are very naturalistically rendered.
Scientific Analysis:
Harvard Lab No. HI712: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.51 / delta18O -3.00, Attribution - Probably Carrara, Justification - Dull white,fine grained marble.
ProvenanceBy 1901: with E. P. Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Rome.); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, December 1901