Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIV 21 Sep 2017
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Mysia, Kyzikos EL Stater. Circa 450-330 BC. Archaistic head of Dionysos to right, wearing diadem and ivy wreath; tunny fish below to right / Quadripartite incuse square. Von Fritze 138; Boston MFA 1529 = Warren 1455; SNG France 288. 16.01g, 20mm.
Near Extremely Fine. One of very few known examples.
The head of Dionysos on this coin at once invites comparison with another most famous portrait of the god – that engraved on the high classical tetradrachm of Naxos (cf. Gulbenkian 232). Though the form of the portrait on this electrum stater is more archaistic and static in style, with its formalised ivy-pointed diadem and semi-archaic eye form, the tendency toward a more fluid and lifelike image can already be observed in the engraving of the beard and the hair, particularly at the back of the god's head. This movement will, on the Naxos tetradrachm, be taken to the next logical step, whereupon the god's image becomes defined by a juxtaposition of movement all around a serene visage.
While it is unlikely that this Kyzikene stater copied the Naxian type due to the differences in style and representation, it is certainly possible that both drew inspiration from a common source. From the latter half of the fifth century onwards though, Dionysos would relinquish his mature, bearded appearance in Greek myth and art, and would increasingly adopt an effeminate, boyish form. It is in this guise that he would again be portrayed at Kyzikos around a century later (von Fritze 193).
Near Extremely Fine. One of very few known examples.
The head of Dionysos on this coin at once invites comparison with another most famous portrait of the god – that engraved on the high classical tetradrachm of Naxos (cf. Gulbenkian 232). Though the form of the portrait on this electrum stater is more archaistic and static in style, with its formalised ivy-pointed diadem and semi-archaic eye form, the tendency toward a more fluid and lifelike image can already be observed in the engraving of the beard and the hair, particularly at the back of the god's head. This movement will, on the Naxos tetradrachm, be taken to the next logical step, whereupon the god's image becomes defined by a juxtaposition of movement all around a serene visage.
While it is unlikely that this Kyzikene stater copied the Naxian type due to the differences in style and representation, it is certainly possible that both drew inspiration from a common source. From the latter half of the fifth century onwards though, Dionysos would relinquish his mature, bearded appearance in Greek myth and art, and would increasingly adopt an effeminate, boyish form. It is in this guise that he would again be portrayed at Kyzikos around a century later (von Fritze 193).