Statue of Dionysos leaning on a female figure ("Hope Dionysos")
Dionysos, god of wine and divine intoxication, wears a panther skin over his short chiton and his high sandals with animal heads on the overhanging skin flaps. He stands beside an archaistic female image whose pose and dress imitate those of Greek statues carved in the sixth century B.C. It is difficult to know whether the original Greek bronze statue of Dionysos, of which this is a copy, included the female figure. Supports in the form of pillars, herms, and small statues were not uncommon in Classical art, but this figure may have been added to support the outstretched arm and may represent Spes, a Roman personification of Hope, who was commonly shown as an archaistic maiden.
Artwork Details
- Title: Statue of Dionysos leaning on a female figure ("Hope Dionysos")
- Artist: Restored by Pacetti, Vincenzo
- Period: Augustan or Julio-Claudian
- Date: 27 BCE–68 CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: H. 82 3/4 in. (210.2 cm)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of The Frederick W. Richmond Foundation, Judy and Michael Steinhardt, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Alfred Taubman, 1990
The cleaning and restoration of this sculpture was made possible by a generous grant from the Edward John Noble Foundation, Inc - Object Number: 1990.247
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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1248. Statue of Dionysos leaning on a female figure ("Hope Dionysos"), Part 1
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