What is this? Nude Greek / Italian Male God - Home Decor?

[carolina252]

This is a nude ancient-style Greek or Italian male sitting in what looks like a pond with his arm in a water jar. The back has sharp puncture spikes that bend down, so I'm assuming it's for inserting into fabric.  Anybody know what it's for or what it's called?

6" long x 2-3/4" high. Thanks in advance!

[debora_34_]

You mean a classical Greek or Roman figure.   Here us a list of deities associated with water.  Perhaps it will be helpful.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_deities

Debora

[carolina252]

Thanks for the link (I did mean classical :). I appreciate your reply, but I was more interested in finding out what it's used for. The spikes on the back have me stumped, so hopefully you or someone else will know it's purpose.

[debora_34_]

Sorry, not a clue.  Hope someone else will be of help.

Debora

[carolina252]

Hope so!  Thanks Debora

Linda

[woodw_sandr]

I have had dresser boxes clad in heavy velvet with brass embellishments, usually floral, that were attached with this type of prong.

Maybe this was destined to decorate a box containing a sextant or some other marine related item.

[johnnycb09]

I think it attaches to fabric,but why or what for I havent a clue. Maybe some sort of sash or ribbon?

[carolina252]

This is one of 5 pieces, two nude women and 3 nude men, all have the same scene. It's a real mystery, and one I would love to solve before listing. Thanks very much! Your answer was very helpful... Linda

[relaxintowealth]

That is a zodiac symbol, aquarius...

[relaxintowealth]

Or, it could be Dionysus, God of wine ...Greek.

[carolina252]

It's one of five pieces, with 2 being nude women. Whatever they attached to would cause several holes from piercing, so I have a feeling they were meant to be permanently attached to something. Thanks for replying...Linda

[woodw_sandr]

Hmmm, 5 pieces, 6 inches each, would be 30 inches total, seems too many to decorate a box, possibly they would form a frieze on a cornice board.
They all have the same scene, but are the 2 women and 3 men duplicates of each other in facial features and poses.

[carolina252]

This is the female. Hopefully, the photo will show up.

[carolina252]

They look like they are taking a bath 🙂

[woodw_sandr]

Maybe that thing in their hands is a very early loofah. 

You could have some fun with these, maybe applied to a valance over a shower curtain or glued onto a frame of a bathroom mirror.