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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.206
Title
Statuette of Priapus
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
2nd-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period, Middle
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/288815

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Marble
Technique
Carved
Dimensions
9.1 x 4.5 x 2.7 cm (3 9/16 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.206
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This small, marble statuette represents the bearded god Priapus. The god wears a long cloak over his shoulders that is cinched with a high belt. He holds up his tunic to carry a bunch of fruit, which in turn reveals his erect phallus. His short legs are broken at the knees, but likely bore high-laced boots. The god slightly advances his right leg, though the feet are now lost. His hair is gathered in a bun at the back of the neck and the he wears a headband.

The area around the legs is deeply drilled and there is a drill hole under the lower right arm.
Commentary
Priapus was the god of fertility, gardens, plants, and vineyards. The god is typically depicted with an oversize phallus and basket of fruit. Statues and other representations of Priapus often decorated domestic garden spaces, serving as a protector, particularly for crops. Garden statues were frequently larger in size than this statuette and would have stood independely in the interior courtyard area (1).

Notes:
1. See an example in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston inv. RES.08.34a

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art

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Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu