Sculpture; Grand Tour, Italy, 19th century.

Sculpture; Grand Tour, Italy, XIX century.
Bronze and marble base.
Measurements: 14 x 6 x 6 cm; 20 cm (total height).
The satyr is a character from Greek mythology who lives in forests and mountains. It is the personification of fertility and the vital force of nature, and is linked to the cult of Dionysus. They are depicted as lustful beings, often devoted to wine, dancing with nymphs and playing the flute.
The term "Grand Tour", which first appeared in Richard Lassels' "Le Voyage d'Italie", was used to define the long journey through Europe, especially Italy, that young British aristocrats used to undertake from the 17th century onwards, but especially throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The aim of the trip was for the young men to get to know the art and culture of France and Italy mainly, to admire classical art at first hand, to learn or improve their language skills, and to establish contacts and relationships with the cultural and political elites of these countries. Often, travelers were looking for pieces with which to start their own art collections, objects to take back to their places of residence as souvenirs. For this reason, workshops specialized in replicating Roman pieces, both in bronze and marble, sprang up, some of which acquired a great reputation.