Statuette of Dionysus (Bacchus)

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Statuette of Dionysus (Bacchus)

Place of OriginRoman Empire (likely Italy or Eastern Mediterranean provinces)

Dateabout 2nd century CE

DimensionsL: 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); W: 5 1/8 in. (13 cm); H: 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)

MediumMarble.

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.89

Not on View

DescriptionThis fragmentary white marble statuette depicts a standing male figure wearing a short, knee-length chiton (tunic) belted at the waist. A nebris (animal skin) is draped diagonally across the torso from the right shoulder to the left hip, secured by a knot. A heavy mantle (himation) is draped over the left shoulder and wrapped around the left arm, falling in deep, vertical folds along the side of the body. The drapery is carved with deep drill channels creating thick, voluminous folds that cling to the underlying form. The figure is missing the head, the right arm from the shoulder, the left hand, and the legs below the knees. The back is finished but less detailed than the front.

Label TextThis marble statuette depicts Dionysus (Roman Bacchus), the god of wine and theater. Unlike the heroic nudity often seen in large-scale cult statues of the god, this figure wears a short tunic and a panther skin (nebris) draped across his chest—attire symbolizing his dominion over the wild and his mythological travels. The deep carving of the drapery folds suggests it was made during the 2nd century A.D., a period when sculptors used running drills to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Small-scale figures like this were typically crafted for private devotion in household shrines (lararia) or as decoration for domestic gardens, bringing the protection and festive spirit of the god into the Roman home.