Satyr's head. Rome, High Empire, 1st century AD. Giallo Antico (marble). Provenance: old collection Camon.Aznar. In good condition. Measures: 13 x 9 cm; 25,5 cm (height with base). This satyr's head has been made in Giallo Antico marble, a variety of marble used by the ancient Romans whose modern name corresponds in Latin to "marmor numidicum" (i.e. "marble of Numidia"). Related to the Maenads, the satyrs form the "Dionysian retinue" that accompanies the god Dionysus. They are represented in various forms; the most common (and basically Roman) is that of a creature half man half ram, with pointed ears and horns on the head, abundant hair, a flat nose, a goat's tail and a permanent priapism. One tradition considered that the sons of Silenus, named Maron, Leneus and Astreo, would have been the fathers of the satyrs. All three were in the retinue of Dionysus when he traveled to India and, in fact, Astreo was the driver of his chariot. As we can see in this Roman sculpture, the satyrs are cheerful and mischievous creatures (noticeable in the sketched smile), although their lighthearted and festive character can become dangerous and even violent (which explains why our sculpture has a frown). As Dionysian creatures, they are lovers of wine, women and enjoy physical pleasures. Dimensions 13 x 9 cm; 25,5 cm (height with base).