Anyone you know?

[danny8oy]

Hi everyone
I would just like to say i really don't know anything about art so if this is an obvious question then i apologise! Just moved house and have found what looks like a solid plaster bust in the shed and was wondering who it was of. It could be just a random head but i am very interested to know either way.

kind regards, Daniel

[GlennT]

The bust is a head of Dionysos, Greek god of the life-force in growing things, also known as the god of the vine. He is wearing a vine wreath on your bust . (As the god of wine, check with one of his ardent followers, Evaldart, for further information :p )

The features of the face interestingly also resemble those of Antinous, the young male lover of the Roman emperor Hadrian ( 117-183 AD ) . After Antinous drowned, Hadrian elevated his stature to that of a deity, and his image is on some Greek provincial coingage from that period.

It is a cast from a nice work of art that you have there.

GlennT

[fritchie]

I'm not sure I would have spotted this, but GlennT is right about the subject, on both counts. The wreath on his head includes grapes as well as vine leaves, and the piece seems in fine condition. If it's plaster, I don't think I would put it out-of-doors, except under protection.

I'd rate execution of the piece excellent, as a garden ornament of some sort.

[evaldart]

Glenn, you know full well that I worship Dionexcessus, God of Malt Liquor, Whoppers and Protien Powder. His headband is red, white and blue terri-cloth and soaking with sweat. Somebody get this silky-skinned grape-god back to his hair-salon.

But seriously, The piece looks quite nice, a pretty cool thing to find. I'd whitewash it and put it in the garden. It'll look great.

[danny8oy]

Hi guys
Thank you very much for the quick replies and with so much information as well. After spending hours going through internet pages hoping to put a name to the face i was close to giving up! I found this site not only the name but history as well, really appreciate it!

Dan