Bust of Satyr

myminifactory

This is a marble bust of a gleeful satyr. In Greek mythology, a satyr, also known as a silenus, is a male nature spirit with ears and a tail resembling those of a horse, along with a permanent, exaggerated erection. Early artistic depictions sometimes included horse-like legs, but by the sixth century BC, they were more often represented with human legs. Hilariously grotesque, they have mane-like hair, bestial faces, and snub noses and are always shown unclothed. Satyrs were distinguished by their ribaldry and were known as lovers of wine, music, dancing, and women. They were companions of the god Dionysus and were believed to inhabit remote areas, such as woodlands, mountains, and pastures. They often attempted to seduce or rape nymphs and mortal women alike, usually with little success. They are sometimes shown masturbating or engaging in bestiality.