Terracotta askos in the shape of Silenus

4th–3rd century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 159

The flask is shaped as a statuette of a reclining older satyr, also known as Silenus. He lies on a low couch, atop a panther skin, which is clearly visible on his back. Silenus’ elbow leans on a wineskin, his back against a sitting panther, whose mouth serves as the spout of the vase. In his right hand, he likely originally held a cup or bowl of wine, which explains his state of intoxication. Silenus was frequently depicted in South Italian vases, where he is always shown as a disorderly and comic figure, with an unkempt beard, a large belly and grotesque facial expression.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Terracotta askos in the shape of Silenus
Date: 4th–3rd century BCE
Culture: Greek, South Italian
Medium: Terracotta, with traces of red
Dimensions: H. 5 3/16 × L. 7 3/4 in. (13.2 × 19.7 cm)
Classification: Vases
Credit Line: Gift of André and William Spears, 2024
Object Number: 2024.319.7
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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