19th Large Alabaster Sculpture Satyr With Cymbals

Large alabaster sculpture depicting the Satyr with cymbals, Volterra workshop, 19th century.

The Satyr with cymbals is a Roman marble sculpture preserved in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. It depicts a satyr performing a lively dance step, marking time with a castanet (in Greek, kroupezeion). The oldest part of the sculpture includes the body and its base, while the head and arms are the result of a 16th-century addition. This splendid marble belonged to the collection of the Roman prelate Eurialo Silvestri. After a brief stay at Villa Giulia, it was acquired by the Medici at the end of the 16th century, and then brought to Florence at the beginning of the 17th century. In the last years of the century, it finally arrived at the Tribuna, where it was hosted among the most famous sculptures of the grand ducal collection. This group was widely copied in the imperial era to furnish suburban villas and luxury residences.

During the Grand Tour, it became one of the most popular sculptures, widely reproduced in bronze. There are few marble or alabaster replicas in existence; this one, in particular, is the work of the Volterra workshops, made with the precious alabaster of the region.

Excellent condition, without restoration. The base has no breaks, it is intentionally made in several parts.

Dimensions H 63 cm L max 36 cm D max 24 cm D base 20 cm