Bronze Attis Holding a Tragic Mask in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, October 2009

Bronze Attis Holding a Tragic Mask
Roman, Imperial period, first to third century AD

# 01.7473

The youthful shepherd Attis was unfaithful to the goddess Cybele, who caused him to castrate himself. The mask alludes to festivals commemorating his death and rebirth.

Text from the MFA label.

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Figurine of Attis
Roman, Imperial Period, 1st–3rd century A.D.

Dimensions: Height: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)

Medium or Technique: Bronze

Classification: Sculpture

Catalogue Raisonné: Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 127.

Accession Number: 01.7473

Attis wears a typical Asiatic costume and Phrygian cap and holds a tragic mask over his head. The mask and body are hollow behind. Dark green patina.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/figurine-of-attis-152763