Roman marble relief of a Satyr and a Silenus

Roman marble relief of a satyr and a silenus
Period: Imperial
Date: 1st century A.D.
Culture: Roman
Medium: Marble
Dimensions: 9 7/8 x 14 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (25.1 x 37.5 x 5.7 cm) Classification: Stone Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Renee E. and Robert A. Belfer, 2012
Accession Number: 2012.479.11
This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 162
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/257884?rpp=60&pg=3&gallerynos=162&rndkey=20140222&ao=on&ft=*&pos=125

The peristyle gardens of Roman houses and villas were filled with decorative marble reliefs such as this one. The masks of a youthful satyr and a bearded silenus are carved on one side in high relief. A shepherd's crook, known in antiquity as a pedum, and two cymbals rest between them. Dionysiac cult objects and theatrical masks are often depicted on similar marble ornaments found in Pompeii, where they were suspended between the columns of the peristyle or set on tall pillars around the garden.