Lovely Tondo

371, Lot: 1284. Estimate $10000. Sold for $9000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Medallic bronze tondo depicting a satyr courting a nymph. Late Hellenistic or early Roman Imperial, 1st century BC-1st century AD. Satyr in contrapposto stance, seen from behind, grasping the drapery of a seated nymph, her garment falling to her hips, who attempts to curb the advances of the satyr by grabbing his arm. Diameter: 13.7 cm.

Ex Nomos FPL (Winter–Spring 2010), no. 127 (at 35,700 CHF); Gorny & Mosch 179 (19 June 2009), lot 8A; Private German Collection formed in the 1980s.

The subject of a satyr pursuing a nymph or maenad has a long history in Greek art, dating back at least to the Archaic period. At that time, the scene was often a violent one with grotesque, usually ithyphallic, satyrs intensely pursuing and forcibly abducting their intended victims. By the Hellenistic period there was a transformation: with increasing frequency the satyr became more humanlike and desirable (the so-called “Barberini Faun” being the most famous product of this transition). Furthermore, the theme of a satyr pursuing a female became increasingly sensual, turning from an animalistic pursuit into a bucolic romance, even into the popular Hellenistic “Invitation to Dance” motif, which this scene recalls. Here the nymph meets the satyr’s gaze with no trace of trepidation, and her grasp of her pursuer’s arm is firm but unconvincing, as if she is merely feigning her resistance.

The original placement of the tondo is uncertain. Whatever its function, the artist has competently handled the circular space, creating a graceful and well-fit composition in high relief.