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Figurine of Aphrodite and Priapos
Greek
Roman Imperial Period
early 1st century A.D.
Findspot: Asia Minor, Aeolis, Myrina, estate of M.Aristide-Bey Baltazzi at Kalabassary
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
26 cm (10 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Martin Brimmer
Accession Number87.378
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Burr, Terra-cottas from Myrina (MFA), no. 009.
DescriptionTerracotta group of Aphrodite accompanied by a small ithyphallic figure; this figure has been recognised as Priapos or Tychon; there are both standing on a rectangular base. Aphrodite is looking to the right and wringing out her hair; her right arm is extending sideways and her left is bent upwards to hold the end of a lock of hair; she is wearing an himation around her hips with a broad fold between her legs; she also wears a broad fillet and large earrings. The small figure is wrapped up with an himation which covers the body from the waist up; he has a beard and wears a wreath on his head. On the back of the base, there is an inscription in greek: ΔΙΦΙΛΟΥ (“of Diphilos”).
Reddish-pink clay. Remains of pink color on the figure of Aphrodite and on the flesh of the small figure; there is yellow on hair of the figure and his beard, on the base and on Aphrodite's wrist (bracelet) and earrings.
Reddish-pink clay. Remains of pink color on the figure of Aphrodite and on the flesh of the small figure; there is yellow on hair of the figure and his beard, on the base and on Aphrodite's wrist (bracelet) and earrings.
ProvenanceBefore 1887, found on the estate of Aristide Baltazzi Bey (b. 1830 - d. 1887), Kalabassary, south of Myrina, Turkey [see note 1]; 1887, sold by Baltazzi to Martin Brimmer (b. 1893 - d. 1947), Boston; 1887, gift of Brimmer to the MFA [see note 2]. (Accession date: November 1, 1887)
NOTES:
[1] According to Museum’s records.
[2] As part of a group of 29 terracottas from the same origin (MFA 87.371-87.399).
NOTES:
[1] According to Museum’s records.
[2] As part of a group of 29 terracottas from the same origin (MFA 87.371-87.399).