Marsyas the Silenus

Wonderfully handcrafted sculpture in terracotta, carefully painted with engobes and modelled following ancient Roman and Greek techniques. 

This stunning bas-relief represents Marsyas, a Silenus, depicted here pressing grapes after the vintage. This Ithaca's relief is freely taken from a genuine mould for making terracotta vases, preserved in the Museo Archeologico of Arezzo. It can be dated back to the first or second century b.C.

The Sileni, half-human creatures, with horse's hears and tails, were, together with Satyrs and Maenads, followers and companions of Dyonisus. They were often drunk, and, through wine, they could achieve special divine gifts, such as prophetic ecstasy, musical talents and the ability of dancing. 

Marsyas was indeed the best in playing the double oboe, an instrument previously used and abandoned by Athena. But, challenged by Apollo, he lost the competition and died, although he could move all the listeners to a wild dance.

Fired at about 1000 °C,  Ithaca's Marsyas can be placed outside, and won't be damaged by sun, cold or ice.