Grotesque figure of a virile man pouring himself a glass of wine. Hellenism, Alexandria, 2nd century B.C.-A.D. 1st century.

Grotesque figure of a virile man pouring himself a glass of wine. Hellenism, Alexandria, 2nd century B.C.-A.D. 1st century.
Terracotta.
Provenance: private collection of Denyse Bernard, France. Acquired on the French art market between 1970 and 1980. -From the judicial liquidation of the Pierre Bergé & Associés warehouses in 2024.
Good state of conservation.
Measurements: 6.5 cm. length.

Expressive figure belonging to the Alexandrian artistic environment, where during the Hellenistic period a rich tradition of terracottas of popular character was developed, marked by a remarkable interest for the anecdotal and daily life.

The scene shows a male character with exaggerated features, in an intimate and casual attitude, pouring wine, a central element in Mediterranean culture in both social and ritual contexts.

Traces of engobe or white polychrome on the surface suggest that originally the piece may have been partially decorated, reinforcing its visual impact.

These small sculptures were common in domestic and votive contexts, as well as in theatrical or festive settings, reflecting the social and cultural diversity of Alexandria, one of the great artistic centers of the Hellenistic world.