Marsyas is a figure from Greek mythology, described as a silen renowned for his skill in playing the aulos, a double-reeded wind instrument. His most famous story is the musical contest with Apollo, the god of music and poetry—a dramatic tale of talent, pride, and punishment.
According to legend, Marsyas discovered the aulos after it had been discarded and began to play it with extraordinary talent. His music was so captivating that it caught the attention of the Muses, who were so impressed that they encouraged a musical contest between Marsyas and Apollo.
Although Marsyas displayed remarkable skill, Apollo ultimately triumphed. Refusing to accept defeat, Marsyas reacted with pride and arrogance, challenging the god’s authority. As punishment for his hybris, Apollo condemned him to a brutal fate: Marsyas was tied to a tree and flayed alive—a cruel and painful death that became a lasting symbol of the dangers of overreaching pride.
In Greek mythology, Marsyas came to symbolise hybris—excessive pride—and the divine punishment that follows. This explains why he is often depicted in ancient art in a state of agony: bound to a tree and blindfolded, captured at the moment of his torment.
During the Roman era, however, the figure of Marsyas took on a new meaning. He became an emblem of libertas—the political, social, and economic freedom gained by the plebeians through long and difficult struggles.
The bronze statue dates to after 273 BC (with the exception of the head, which is from the 4th century BC), following the Roman conquest of the city of Paestum, which had previously belonged to the Lucanian confederation.
The presence of heavy rings (compedes) around the silen’s ankles—without the usual chains associated with slavery—suggests that this Marsyas is shown as freed, liberated from his captivity. The statue may symbolise Paestum’s transformation from a colony to a Roman municipium, and the granting of Roman citizenship to its inhabitants.
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