Scythian Knife Grinder
Maker
Fonderia Chiurazzi
(Italian, founded 1870)
Dateearly 20th century
MediumBronze
Dimensions42 x 21 1/2 x 44 in. (106.7 x 54.6 x 111.8 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN5089
Since the 17th century, this statue of a Scythian slave grinding a knife has been considered to have been part of a sculpture group showing the torment of Marsyas (as depicted in SN5135, a modern interpretation of the scene). According to the myth, the god Apollo, after besting Marsyas in a musical contest, ordered the satyr flayed alive. Clearly envisioned as “barbarian” with his exaggerated facial features and balding hair, the Scythian, crouched over a grindstone, sharpens the knife that will be used to skin Marsyas.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Courtyard
