Papposilenos Playing the Double Flute

Description Papposilenus was an aged, semi-bestial companion of Dionysus. He is playing a double flute (restored). Both silens and satyrs were often depicted with this exotic instrument of Asian origin. According to Aristotle, the lyre calmed the emotions, but the flute excited them, as can be seen by the figure's lively and twisting pose.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
10/13/1972	Examination	examined for condition
10/13/1972	Treatment	cleaned; repaired
10/29/1973	Treatment	cleaned
10/29/1973	Treatment	cleaned; other
11/04/1988	Treatment	cleaned; repaired; loss compensation
1/10/1995	Examination	examined for condition

Exhibitions

• From Alexander to Cleopatra: Greek Art of the Hellenistic Age. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1988-1989.

Provenance Madame E. Warneck Collection Sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 1905, no. 90; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1905, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1905