established 1942
HELLENISTIC BRONZE FIGURE OF THE KING LYCURGUS

The naked bearded figure, with his head thrown back, wearing a Phrygian cap and soft ankle boots, the well muscled torso twisting as he rips out two large vine creepers, both entwined with ivy which extends up his back and across his arms.
A very rare depiction.

Ex British collection acquired in 1984

Ca. 1st Century BC

H. 3 in. (7.5cm.)

Art of the Ancient World, 2007, no. 28
BLW103
$18,500


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Lycurgus was King of the Edoni in Thrace and father of Dryas. In opposition to the cult of Dionysus, Lycurgus ripped down the god's vines and imprisoned his followers, the Maenads. Dionysus in return sent a drought to Thrace which drove Lycurgus mad and in his insanity he mistook his son Dryas for a patch of ivy holy to Dionysus and killed him. The Edonians, horrified by his actions and instructed by Dionysus, tore Lycurgus to pieces with wild horses on Mount Pangaeum.
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