Antique bronze satyr bookends by Zoppo Foundries circa 1914

These satyr bookends with a shadowy dark patina are truly fine works of art. They were designed by the sculptor E. Freeman in 1914 and cast by Zoppo Foundries in New York. They are signed, dated, and in nearly mint condition---not to mention extremely rare. What a striking gift for someone who takes pride in being a bit mischievous or lewd.

Satyrs are lawless creatures of Greek mythology known for their love of wine and fornication. These lascivious nature spirits 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.

Each bookend is approximately 5" wide, 6 1/4" tall, and 2" deep. Together they weigh about 6 1/2 pounds. The felt on the bottoms has been replaced.