The Dancing Satyr

This work, discovered off of the coasts of Mazara del Vallo, could be a Greek original dating approximately between the 4th and 3rd centuries bC. This minor divinity, the personification of fertility and the power of nature, is portrayed as a demon in the throes of passion, joining in the procession that accompanies the Greek God Dionysus. To celebrate its discovery, the sculpture will be shown at Palazzo Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian parliament. It will be the first time it is on view to the public. This presentation is the fruit of intense cooperation between four institutions: the House of Representatives, the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Sicily and the Municipality of Rome. It also represents a significant milestone towards opening the Houser of Parliament to the public.