Statue of Papposilenus carrying the infant Dionysos
Inventory number
ΕΑΜ 257
Category
Sculpture
Period
Hellenistic Period
Date
2nd cent. BC
Dimensions
Height: 1.13 m
Material
Marble from Paros
Location
Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes
It was discovered in 1832 at the Theatre of Dionysos. Parts of the upper and lower extremities of Papposilenus, the head and part of the left hand of Dionysos, as well as part of the mask he is holding are missing.
It depicts the elderly Papposilenus who carries on his shoulder the infant Dionysos, the god of wine and theatre. In theatrical tragicomedies, known as satyr plays, Papposilenus is the wisest of the Sileni and the tutor of young Dionysos. He is depicted here as an actor, with a hairy theatrical costume and a himation wrapped around his lower body. He is bearded and bald, with wrinkles on his forehead, raised eyebrows and thick nose– features reminiscent of the portraits and statues of the philosopher Socrates. Papposilenus would have held in his right hand some object related to the cult of Dionysos, or a wooden staff on which to lean. On his left shoulder Dionysos is seated, wearing a short chiton, a long himation and boots. He holds a female theatrical mask in his right hand.
This sculpture is considered a copy of a statue from the 5th cent. BC. Archaeologists have associated the original sculpture with the satyr play Dionysiskos (Infant Dionysos) by Sophocles, with which the great Classical tragedian won the theatrical contests of 438 BC. The play's storyline concerns the upbringing and education of the youthful Dionysos.
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