Bust of Dionysus, Priapus, Plato or Poseidon

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This bust is a replica of the bronze Roman copy created after an original Hellenistic work from the 1st century BC. It was found in the Villa of the Papyri in the ancient city of Herculaneum and is housed at the Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Naples. Considered one of the most beautiful bronze busts discovered from Herculaneum, its identity remains a topic of discussion. The head does not resemble the typical portraits of Plato accepted by scholars, and the style suggests it may date back to a much earlier era than Plato. Both Furtwangler and Lenormant believe it to be an original work from the fifth century. The head, which originated from a room south of the tablinum, appears to have formed part of a larger statue. The first-rate modeling of cheek and brow, and the technique used in its creation are a testament to expert craftsmanship. Even the chisel marks can be seen on the intricately finished beard, as well as the thick hair styled like that of the Lemnian Athena, bound by a broad fillet encircling the brow and pressing into the abundant masses of hair. As for the identification of the bust, it might indeed represent the head of Dionysus, brooding over mysteries known only to initiates, while being revealed in the frenzied ecstasies of Bacchic revels. Lenormant attributes the bust to the great Dorian School, which flourished at Tarentum, and from whence many works of art were taken to Rome when the town was sacked by Fabius Maximus in 209 BC. He further speculates that it may represent Poseidon, a deity revered at Tarentum. Vase paintings and coins from Tarentum certainly depict Poseidons with features resembling this head. [Text from Buried Herculaneum, 1908, Barker, Ross]