Pappasilenus in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Papposilenos Playing the Double Flute


Creator: Greek (Artist)

Period: 3rd-2nd century BC (Hellenistic)

Medium: solid cast bronze (Metal)

Accession Number: 54.1076

Measurements: 4 5/16 x 2 3/16 x 2 1/16 in. (11 x 5.5 x 5.3 cm)

Geography: south Italy (?) (Place of Discovery)

Papposilenus was an aged, semi-bestial companion of Dionysus. He is playing a double flute (restored). Both silens and satyrs were often depicted with this exotic instrument of Asian origin. According to Aristotle, the lyre calmed the emotions, but the flute excited them, as can be seen by the figure's lively and twisting pose.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/26392/papposilenos-playing-the-...