Fine Art Asia Pavilion 典亞藝博展亭: David Aaron

 

   

Torso draped with panther skin
Roman, 1st-2nd century
Marble
H. 52 cm
Provenance: Previously in the Private Collection of J. McLeod, London, 1960-1970.
Private Collection of Sylvan Berger, Munich, acquired in the early 1980s.
French Art Market.
Private Collection, acquired from the above.

披黑豹皮的人體
羅馬, 1-2世紀
大理石
高. 52公分
來源:J. McLeod 收藏, 倫敦, 1960-1970年;
Sylvan Berger私人收藏, 慕尼黑, 1980年代早期購藏; 法國藝術市場;
私人收藏,購自上述。

This torso represents an idealised version of the male form, and as such is both a handsome piece, and an interesting example of Imperial Roman taste of sculpture made in the Greek tradition. With a panther pelt draped over the right shoulder and broad chest. The musculature is sensitively rendered, and the taut strength of the body is well-conveyed. The S-curve of the body is a hallmark of works made in the style of the Classical Greek master Praxiteles, as is the slight twist of the torso to the right. This curving visual rhythm underpins the magnetism of the piece. In the absence of limbs, the taut turn of the body, the broad chest and the extension of the hip possess an energy and anatomical vitality. A torso depicting a youthful Dionysus, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York, is of comparable stature and is relevant in various ways to the present piece. It similarly dates from the Roman Imperial period and emulates the sculptural style of fifth-century Greece. In light of the Met statue, it could be conjectured that the present torso was once that of a god, indeed possibly Dionysus, who is often depicted semi-clothed in drapery.