Ancient Roman Terracotta Campana Relief Fragment of a Satyr Carrying a Maenad

Object Description

A very fine and striking, ancient Roman, terracotta relief fragment from Campana, depicting a satyr carrying a nude maenad. The fragment was originally part of a larger scene showing satyrs making wine. The fragment features two figures, shown in profile and carved in high relief. A male figure, likely a satyr, carries on his back a female figure, possibly a maenad. Both have been depicted nude, apart from a cloak that billows out from behind the female figure. Her arms are wrapped around his neck, with his left hand holding onto her left forearm for stability. He strides forwards towards the left, with his right leg placed in front of his left, both bent with the weight of the maenad. Behind, the maenad on the back of the satyr crosses her legs, both bent, with her right calf placed on top of her left. Perhaps the figures are engaged in a game of ephedrismos (meaning carry on the back) or perhaps the male figure is supporting the drunken female figure. The figures have been rendered naturalistically, with the musculature of the satyr contrasting with the soft, rounded limbs and body of the maenad. While his hair is short, represented with small curls on his head, hers is long, flowing in the direction of her cloak and elegantly rolled to frame her face. Their faces show serene expressions, with his long, straight nose, her rounded nose, their closed mouths, and almond shaped eyes still clearly visible. The reverse of the relief is flat and unworked.

The relief has been mounted on a custom-made stand. Please note that the measurements below include the stand. The relief alone measures approximately 15.3cm in length, 3.3cm in width, and 22.7cm in height.

Date: Circa 1st Century AD

Object History

From a UK gentleman’s collection, 1970s.

Object Condition

Excellent condition. The fragment is whole and solid with a clear image. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor chips, weathering, particularly to the edges, hairline cracks, scratches, and pitting. Repairs and chipping to the drapery. Mounted on a custom-made stand. The bottom of the stand features a provenance note that reads ‘1. Fragment of a Roman terracotta relief from Campagna – 1st. century A.D. The scene depicted satyrs making wine with much dancing and merriment going on in the background. The larger part of this relief is housed in the National Museum of Denmark and is discussed at some length in Breitenstein’s ‘Catalogue of the terracottas in the Danish National Museum – published in 1941. For the most recent study of this group see Borbein’s ‘Campanrelief typelogische und stillkritsche Untersuchungen’ – published 1968.’ with the number 32 inked in a circle.

Object Details