Ithyphallic Man with a Harp
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Object Label
This object is what is called a macrophallus, a style of hyper sexualized figurine common during the Roman Period in ancient Egypt. It may have been used to enhance fertility, and would have served as a votive object for all levels of society, not only the wealthy.
The figure’s lack of formal elegance breaks significantly with other Egyptian representations at the time. Rather than following the typical standard of ideal bodily proportions, figures like this one highlighted the carnal, as the man plays a harp with his exaggerated phallus.
Caption
Ithyphallic Man with a Harp, 3rd–4th century C.E.. Terracotta, pigment, 5 11/16 x 3 7/8 x 2 3/16 in. (14.4 x 9.8 x 5.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour, 16.271. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.16.271_NegC_print_bw.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Ithyphallic Man with a Harp
Date
3rd–4th century C.E.
Period
Roman Period
Geography
Place made: Medinet el Faiyum (vicinity), Egypt
Medium
Terracotta, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
5 11/16 x 3 7/8 x 2 3/16 in. (14.4 x 9.8 x 5.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour
Accession Number
16.271
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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