Symplegma
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Symplegma (from σύμπλεγμα, braided, or entwined; plural Symplegmata) originally meant two rings that were embraced, later it acquired the connotation of voluptuous erotic embrace of sexual intercourse.
Pan and Olympos are mentioned by Pliny as a group sculpture, a symplegma, for Pan, seated on rocks next to his pupil Olympos.
In modern times Symplegma is used in art history, classical studies and archeology to refer to explicit depictions of sexual intercourse. In particular, representations more complex and unusual sexual positions, and unusual pairings so designated. A familiar example is the so-called Dresdner Symplegma which shows the Hermaphrodite and Satyr in half-combative, half-erotic embrace.
The title Symplegma is also used for a series of private drawings of Henry Fuseli, such as Symplegma of a Man with Three Women.
Some works by Auguste Rodin, such as Christ and Mary Magdalen can be considered symplegma.
See also