In this episode, we’ll be visiting an incredible sculpture; Satyr and Hermaphrodite from the 1st-2nd century AD at the Oxford Ashmolean Museum. Welcome to Art, Culture & Books with me, Anthony King.
Satyr and Hermaphrodite from the 1st-2nd century AD. Now, we don’t know exactly who created this but the Ashmolean gives us an insight into the piece;
“A satyr sits on a rock, seizing a Hermaphrodite from behind. The composition has a ‘front’ view presenting the nymph-like Hermaphrodite from behind, and a ‘back’ view showing its female chest and male genitals. Since satyrs normally assault nymphs, the coupling was intended as a surprise for the satyr and the viewer alike. The group was a famous Hellenistic work replicated in some 20 full-scale versions in Roman villas and theatres.”
By Anthony King (c)