Silenus Decoration from a Bed in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Decoration from a Bed

Creator: Greek (Artist)

Period: 2nd century BC (Hellenistic)

Medium: carved ivory (Ivory & Bone)

Accession Number: 71.616

Measurements: 3 11/16 x 2 x 9/16 in. (9.4 x 5.1 x 1.4 cm)

Geographies: Greece (Place of Origin)

The silen is recognized by his bald head, fleshy nose, and pointed ear. The piece ornamented the armrest of a bed. Beds grew in popularity during Hellenistic times and were often decorated with ivory, which was available due to increased trade with Asia and Africa.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/13701/decoration-from-a-bed/