Unknown Maker, Roman

This sculpture slab was probably fashioned as the proper right support of a marble bench. Ornamented with volutes and lotus buds on its long sides, the object is singular in its representation of a male head on its short side; one that likely terminated in a single, large animal hoof or paw at the bottom (now missing). The bearded figure may represent a satyr (a mythical creature of the wild), or, alternately, Acheloos (a river god with underworld associations).

Its artificial combination of human with animal and vegetal features, including horns, pointed ears, and spiral beard flowing into inverted flowers beneath, are common in depictions of “grotesques,” or mythological creatures composed typically of a lion of eagle body with horns, animal paws, beard, and large ornate wings. The Providence relief may belong to a small class of supports with uncommon and wingless grotesques. While supports are known as early as the sixth century BC, this example is probably a creation of the first century AD.