Barberini Faun

myminifactory

A young man sprawls wide open on a rock. His posture exudes a seductive air. His head has slumped onto his shoulder. His right arm curls back behind his head, while his left arm, severed today, hangs limply over a rocky outcropping. The young man appears to be fast asleep. But is he truly unconscious? A closer look reveals the truth. His rugged yet sensual face is contorted. His eyebrows are furrowed over his closed eyelids. His open mouth betrays heavy breathing. The ivy wreath in his hair gives away the reason - such wreaths are typically worn by revelers. Intoxicated by wine and exhausted from dancing and debauchery, the young man has succumbed to a fitful, restless slumber. The meaning and significance of this figure become clear when viewed from the other side. A small horse's tail becomes visible from behind, identifying the young man as a satyr - one of those half-animal beings associated with Dionysus, the god of ecstasy. This is not a human being at all, but a mythical creature. This explains why his size far exceeds that of humans. All this now clarifies the most important features of the portrayal: intoxication, debauchery and lust are characteristic of a satyr. They illustrate the power of Dionysus, in whose honor the statue was likely erected in a sanctuary. The sculpture dates back to around 220 BC. It had been stolen from Greece during Roman times and taken to Italy. In 1624, it was discovered in Rome. Ludwig I acquired it for the Glyptothek from the Barberini Collection. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan The World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort. If you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.