"Zwerg als Philosoph" - Groteske aus Bronze, römisch, 1. Jhdt. n Chr. - photo 1

"Zwerg als Philosoph" - Groteske aus Bronze, römisch, 1. Jhdt. n Chr.

Lot 39
06.05.2023 10:00UTC +01:00
Classic
Starting price
€ 20 000
AuctioneerHermann Historica
Event locationGermany, Grasbrunn / München
Buyer Premium25 %
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Archive
ID 946735
Lot 39 | "Zwerg als Philosoph" - Groteske aus Bronze, römisch, 1. Jhdt. n Chr.
Estimate value
€ 20 000
Statuette eines kleinwüchsigen Mannes. Stämmiger, muskulöser Körper mit verkürzt wirkenden Gliedmaßen und "Stiernacken" ohne deutlich ausgeprägtem Hals. Am Bauch leichter Fettansatz. Der Körper nur mit einem leichten Chiton bekleidet, der mit gekonntem Faltenwurf über die linke Schulter gelegt ist. Die Rechte angewinkelt erhoben im "Gestus des Deklamierens", die Linke nur leicht angewinkelt und nach unten gerichtet. Der "Gestus des Deklamierens" wird durch die verhaltene Dynamik des nach vorne gesetzten rechten Beins und des leicht nach rechts gedrehten Kopfes unterstrichen. Unter dem Chiton schaut die Spitze des Genitals hervor, das eine Öffnung hat, die in das Innere der Figur reicht. Die Frisur und die anatomischen Details des Gesichts, der Hände, der freien rechten Brust und anderer Körperteile präzise und lebensnah dargestellt. Die Augen in Silber eingelegt. Brustwarze und Lippen wohl in Kupfer, was durch die darüberliegende grüne Patina nicht mehr eindeutig zu erkennen ist.
Ausgesprochen qualitätvolle Bronzefigur, vermutlich alexandrinischen Ursprungs, wo die Produktion von Grotesken im Hellenismus einen gewaltigen Aufschwung erlebte. Die Figur lebt unter anderem von der Spannung der eingenommenen, fast pathetisch anmutenden Haltung eines gebildeten, deklamierenden Redners oder Philosophen mit der im Kontrast zum Idealbild einer solchen Person stehenden Darstellung eines kleinwüchsigen Menschen, dessen überdimensioniertes Genital nur halb bedeckt ist und somit das "rednerische Pathos" ins Lächerliche zieht. In den Füßen befinden sich ebenfalls Öffnungen, die wohl mit der Öffnung des Genitals in Verbindung stehen. Tatsächlich könnte die Figur Bestandteil eines kleinen Hausbrunnens gewesen sein, was der Figur den Charakter eines antiken "Männeken Pis" verleiht, womit der oben geschilderte Kontrast nochmals verstärkt wird.
Kleinwüchisigkeit und andere von den Menschen der Antike als "Missbildungen" empfundene Eigenschaften dienten einer "großbürgerlichen" Klientel als Rückversicherung ihres eigenen Wohlbefindens und Glücks. Zugleich sprach man den grotesken Darstellungen apotropäische Eigenschaften zu, insbesondere in Kombination mit überdimensionierten Phalloi, denen auch einzeln als Anhänger unheilabwehrende Kräfte zugeschrieben wurden und die durch zahlreiche Kleinfunde belegt sind.
Schöne dunkelgrüne Patina mit minimalen Inkrustationen. Höhe 19 cm. Ein ausgesprochen interessantes und seltenes Belegstück antiker Mentalitätsgeschichte, das in dieser Qualität und vorzüglichen Erhaltung nur schwer zu finden ist.
Provenienz: Süddeutsche Privatsammlung.
A Roman grotesque bronze figure depicting a "Dwarf as a philosopher", 1st century A.D.
Statuette of a man of small stature. The stocky, muscular body with shortened limbs and a thick neck, the head appearing to sit squarely on the shoulders. The beginning of a rotund belly. The body clothed only in a light chiton, which is draped into skilful folds over the left shoulder. His right hand at an angle, raised in the "gesture for declamation", the left at a slight angle only, pointing downwards. The "gesture for declamation" is accentuated by the restrained dynamics of the right leg, which is placed forwards, and the head turning slightly to the right. The tip of the phallus visible under the chiton, with an opening extending into the interior of the figure. The dwarf's hairstyle and the anatomical details of the face, hands, exposed right chest and other body parts are lifelike and wrought with precision. The eyes inlaid in silver. The nipples and lips probably made of copper. However, this cannot be clearly seen due to the green patina of the surface.
Exceptionally superb bronze statue, probably of Alexandrine origin, where the production of grotesque figures experienced a tremendous upswing during the Hellenistic period. Among other aspects, the appeal lies in the figure's almost melodramatic pose, mimicking that of an educated, declaiming orator or philosopher. The depiction is in stark contrast with the ideal image expected of such a person. The dwarf's oversized phallus is only half concealed, thereby making a mockery of his "oratory pathos". There are also apertures in the feet, which are presumably connected to the opening in the phallus. The figure may well have been part of a small domestic fountain, thereby lending the dwarf the semblance of an antique "Manneken Pis" and reinforcing the above contrast still further.
Dwarfism and other characteristics that were regarded as "deformities" by society in antiquity were deployed as artistic devices to reassure the "upper class" clientele of their own well-being and happiness. At the same time, grotesque depictions were said to have apotropaic properties, particularly when combined with oversized phalli, which were also deemed to have the power to ward off evil when worn on their own as necklaces, as has been proven by the discovery of numerous such objects. Beautiful dark green patina with slight incrustation. Height 19 cm. An exceptionally fascinating and unusual piece, documenting the social attitudes of antiquity, in a quality and outstanding condition that is seldom found on the market.
Provenance: South German private collection.
Condition: I -
Place of origin:Roman Empire
Address of auction Hermann Historica
Bretonischer Ring 3
85630 Grasbrunn / München
Germany
Preview
06.05.2023
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