Fatherly Silenus with the young Dionysos

myminifactory

Roman copy of a statue by Lysippos. Lysippos was a skilled Greek sculptor of the 4th century BC. Along with Scopas and Praxiteles, he is regarded as one of the three most renowned sculptors of the Classical Greek era, marking the transition into the Hellenistic period. Silenus was the rustic god of wine-making and drunkenness. He was the foster-father of Dionysos who was entrusted to his care by Hermes after his birth from Zeus' thigh. The young god was raised by Silenus and nursed by Nysiad nymphs in a cave on Mount Nysa. Dionysos once traveled through Phrygia, and while he did, Silenus became lost and was captured by King Midas. The king treated him with hospitality as a reward, and Dionysos granted him the gift of his golden touch. Silenus was the father or grandfather of the Satyroi tribes (Satyrs) and Nymphs. He was sometimes multiplied into a triad or large band of Seilenoi (Silens). Silenus is depicted as a jovial old man with hair, a balding head, a pot-belly, snub-nose, and the ears and tail of an ass. He rode in the train of Dionysos on the back of a donkey. Silenus embodied the spirit of the treading dance of the wine-press; his name derived from the words seiô (to move to and fro) and lênos (the wine-trough). This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, creating 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 around you and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.