Antique satyr bookends by McClelland Barclay circa late 1930s

These satyr bookends are a subtle way to express your wild side. Their green patina emphasizes that satyrs are first and foremost nature spirits. These lawless creatures of Greek mythology are known for their love of wine and fornication. They have a close relationship with the god Dionysus, lord of madness and spiritual ecstasy. The great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche took satyrs to represent the bestial side of humanity: us with our desires liberated from rational restraint. Medieval Christians saw in the satyr a great wickedness, and naturally began to imagine the devil as satyr-like.

This intoxicating pair was designed by the famous illustrator McClelland Barclay. Although one collector's guide dates them to 1925, other sources indicate that he established his bookend company, the McClelland Barclay Arts Products Corporation, in the late 1930s. These were cast in gray metal and coated with bronze, as was standard for Barclay's company. His signature is on the back.

Each bookend is about 3 1/2" wide, 7" tall, and 2 3/4" inches deep. Together they weigh a little under 6 pounds.