London, Italy
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jun 20 2020 - 3 pm BST (4 pm CEST)
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LOT 84:
A large roman italic black-onyx intaglio. The punishment of Marsyas.
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Start price:
£
750
Estimated price :
€1,800
Buyer's Premium: 25%
More details
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A large roman italic black-onyx intaglio. The punishment of Marsyas.
1st century B.C.
15 x 20 x 4 mm
The mythical scene depicts the punishment inflicted by Apollo to Marsyas for challenging the god in a musical pipes contest. The satyr was flayed alive and hanged on a tree. Usually the scene is composed by the presence of both characters: Marsyas imploring Apollo, or Apollo contemplating the body of Marsyas. In this case, the iconography is more unusual, and rare. The satyr is represented hanged by the hands on a tree with the naked body finely engraved. The anatomical details; the protruding chest and hollow stomach, stiff legs underlined the muscular effort endured by the supplice. In front of the character, two pipes reminding his fatal faith. Presence of the typical globular elements. Groundline. Large dimension of the stone. Ancient wear marks and small chips on the edge. Provenance: U.K., private collection, N.M., 70's. For parallel, a sardonyx intaglio conserved in the Cabinet des Médailles, Paris, France, inv. 58.1470bis - Supplice de Marsyas.
