Francesco Bertos (attributed to)

The Drunken Silenus

Model and Cast: Venice, Italy, early 18th century

Bronze

24.7 x 22.5 cm

This finely detailed bronze has only very recently been recognized as very probably the work of Francesco Bertos, who produced some of the most extraordinary, even eccentric, but virtuosic sculptures of the 18th century. It represents Silenus, the fat and drunken but wise follower of Bacchus, drinking wine from a bowl while slouched on his donkey, and supported by a companion faun. It is one of only two recorded casts of this model, although Bertos also made a related marble sculpture of the subject.

Purchased 1948 (No. 48.4)