Figured Vessel in the Form of the Head of Silenus

This wide-mouthed two-handled vessel with a vertical shaped rim was made in a two-part mould. The seams have been carefully smoothed and the details worked up with a sculpting tool. The bearded face of the aged woodland deity and companion of Bacchus has been painstakingly modelled. The eyes, with iris and pupil made in relief and swollen lids, are emphasized by the thick beetling brows. The small half-open mouth with plump lips, the snub nose, wrinkled forehead and prominent asinine ears render his whole appearance particularly expressive. The head is adorned by a wreath of ivy leaves. The back of the head is less thoroughly worked: there wavy vertical furrows imitate locks of hair.