Silenus holding Bacchus at The Louvre, Paris

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According to ancient lore, Silenus was instructed by Zeus to bear Dionysos, his illegitimate offspring, in order to shield the child from Hera's wrath. The statue, whose subject is recognized through other ancient copies, may have been a replica of a bronze masterpiece crafted by Lysippos, a renowned Greek sculptor, during the fourth century BC. This can be discerned by observing certain characteristic features of the artist, such as the slender physique and precarious balance of the body or unconventional use of negative space. Pliny the Elder documented a satyr created by Lysippos in first-century AD Athens (Natural History XXXIV, 64). The base has undergone modern renovations. The statue is a sophisticated assembly of original components combined with supplementary parts executed in marble and plaster. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative conceived by MyMiniFactory, through which we are establishing a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have intriguing items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to discover how you can participate. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)