Roman-Egyptian figure of a man with phallic representation

Phallic male figure from the Roman-Egyptian cultural area.

Material: limestone

Date: 1st century BC - 2nd century AD (Roman period)

Dimensions: Total height 14.7 cm, height of figure 10.2 cm, width 4.3 cm, and depth 4.9 cm. Total weight 272 g

Condition: nicely preserved

The figure depicts a round male body with a disproportionately large phallus extending over both shoulders – a motif that is often interpreted by researchers as an apotropaic symbol, i.e. a protective symbol against harmful influences. The figure has a schematically designed face, which has been smoothed by slight surface abrasion, but whose essential features are still recognizable. The well-preserved limestone figure is mounted on a specially made stand, which supports its museum presentation as a collection object. Such depictions can be classified in the context of popular religious beliefs in the Roman-Egyptian cultural area and testify to the connection between fertility symbolism, humorously exaggerated depictions of the body, and magical-apotropaic functions, as frequently encountered in the everyday religious practice of the time.

Provenance: Private collection of Christian von Faber-Castell, Switzerland. “Erotica” collection.

Acquired on the European art market. The figure was in the collection of Christian von Faber-Castell (Canton of Zurich, Switzerland) for several decades.

Authenticity: As with all our objects, authenticity is guaranteed without time limitation.

Protection of cultural property: All objects offered come from renowned collections and were acquired at art auctions and from estates.