Dionysus, so-called Narcissus of Pompeii - image-1

Lot 1729 Dα

Dionysus, so-called Narcissus of Pompeii

Auction 1230 - overview Cologne
17.11.2023, 17:30 - Decorative Arts - Furniture
Estimate: 1.500 € - 2.000 €
Result: 1.638 € (incl. premium)
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Dionysus, so-called Narcissus of Pompeii

Green patinated bronze, the base of the plinth gilded. Screw-mounted to a round plinth. With fig leaf applique. A soldered repair to the underside of the plinth. H 62 cm.
Attributed to Naples, late 19th C.

The bronze sculpture shows the ancient Greek god Dionysus playing with an invisible panther. It is a reproduction of an ancient original that was excavated in Pompeii in 1862 and is now on display in the Museo archeologico nazionale di Napoli. The name "Narcissus" dates back to the 19th century, when it was assumed that the young man was gazing self-absorbedly at his reflection in the water.

Literature

Cf. a black patinated example in the Museum Schloss Neuenburg, Kulturstiftung Sachsen-Anhalt.