Art: Sleeping Satyr & #BasicBoys

The other day I posted a comment on my Facebook stating that if I saw another dating profile containing a picture a guy standing in a boat, wearing Oakley's, and holding a fish... I never finished my thought, however it was implied by the eye-roll emoji I tactfully added to the end. I also added a couple of hashtags, one that said: #BasicBoys.
In true Facebook fashion, I was then flooded by witty banter, memes and gifs from appreciative friends agreeing with my mini-rant. An old friend, Jose, even suggested that "maybe the fish are their way of dealing with other size-wise shortcomings". 

I initially laughed, but as the day went on, I found myself mulling over Jose's comment, and (true to my nature) I began to analyze myself: why did the "basic boy" with a fish irritate me so much? Thoughts of basic boys, and fisherman shortcomings  reminded me of an article I had once read about an ancient statue called the Sleeping Satyr. 
Now, I have to admit, the first time I saw the image of the Sleeping Satyr I could not peel my eyes away from, *cough*.... the screen. Before me was a perfectly sculpted portrayal of a satyr- an ancient mythological  woodland creature who was part beast, part god. Satyrs were known for their sexual nature, and love of wine. I felt an odd attraction towards this statue - this was beyond a silly, earthly sexual desire - it was more of a luring, an ancient calling, or enchantment, of sorts. 
Sleeping Satyr was created during Rome’s Hellenistic period (230-200 BCE)- the sculptor has remained unknown.  We do know, however, that it was restored by the Barberini family in 1628 - which is why the Sleeping Satyr is also known as the Barberini Faun. 
Personally, I prefer the name Sleeping Satyr- it sounds  more exciting, more dangerous, more adventurous- which is what this mom to a 4 year old craves on a boring Friday night.  

Hellenistic sculpture tended to focus on exaggerated facial expressions and body language to stir passion within the viewer. For me, it works every time! With this particular work, the ancient artist has seduced me and lured me into an erotic world of gods and goddesses, mighty kings and wild  (shall I say, sexy?) beasts.

It is believed that the Sleeping Satyr was created as an interpretation of the myth of King Midas and the Satyr. Many of us know this story, but for those of us that don't:
The story states that a group of farmers found the satyr, drunk, and in a deep state of sleep; they quickly tied him up and brought him to King Midas. Midas quickly realized that this satyr was Silenus, the right hand of Dionysus (the god of wine). King Midas released the satyr and Dionysus granted the King a single wish. Midas asked that everything he touch turn to gold; hence, we have the birth of the "Midas touch", or “golden touch”. 

Sleeping Satyr is, in my opinion, a fabulous example of Hellenistic sculpture. In her article, “A Satyr for Midas: The Barberini Faun and Hellenistic Royal Patronage.”, Jean Sorabella describes the satyr  as: 

“an extraordinary sleeping beast, intoxicated and fit for capture… compared with images in vase-painting, the statue is an anomaly, larger, grander, less active, and more seductive than any other satyr represented”. 

She goes on to say that research on the piece shows an important union between the satyr’s physical perfection and undignified position; the bold display of the genitals indicates a lack of human self-control and dignity. 

It is as if thousands of years of civilized evolution seem to be abandoned in this one piece showing a 

         primal, 

                      and erotic 

                                   aspect of human nature. 

The Satyr, known for his drunkenness and sexual libido is peacefully reclined and sleeping. We are gifted with a lustful view of a creature that could prove to be dangerous should he wake. It is possible that this sculpture could portray a series of emotions for the viewer: seduction, fear and curiosity. 
Maybe this was what lured me the most. A mysterious creature, unlike any thing I had ever seen - and a curiosity of the unknown. 

Little is known of the work’s provenance, however, in a note found by historian Cassiano del Pozzo, written in 1631 states that the Sleeping Satyr was one of two statues found in trenches surrounding the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. It was later taken to the gardens of Cardinal Francesco Barberini.  The sculpture was found in pieces: first the torso, later the head (which had to be completely reconstructed), and then the legs. Some researchers believe that the Barberini family had the legs moved slightly during reconstruction in order to give the satyr a more exotic look, by placing emphasis on his relaxed posture and, uhm,  genitals- no fish-holding needed here. 

With Sleeping Satyr the artist was able to create a feeling of anxious anticipation in the viewer by capturing a moment frozen in time - which could provide catastrophic for the characters involved. 
This ancient master sculptor was able to draw upon strong human emotions, like fear, and curiosity; as well as human sexuality and lust. These are primal reactions embedded in our DNA, which can create equally powerful art. I believe facing our primal instincts both surprises us and excites us, like imagining ourselves face to face, with a sleeping saytr. 

He is not just another basic boy. 

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                Roman, Luke, Roman, Monica. Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology. 2010. New York, NY. 

                Sorabella, Jean. “A Satyr for Midas: The Barberini Faun and Hellenistic Royal Patronage.” Classical Antiquity, vol. 26, no. 2, 2007, pp. 219–248.

                Stafford, Emma J. “Aspects of Sleep in Hellenistic Sculpture.” Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies, no. 38, 1991, pp. 105–120.

Zorach, William. “Tools and Materials HC: Carved Sculpture.” The American Magazine of Art, Vol. 28, No. 3 (March 1935), pp. 156-160