Triumph of Dionysos Essay Example
September 30, 2011
Art 4013
Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons Sarcophagus
The Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons Sarcophagus was created in 260–270 A.D. At this time it was considered the anarchy period of ancient Rome. This sarcophagus was built in Ancient Rome and is made of marble . Although the creator of this sarcophagus is unknown, it is known that it was made for a wealthy owner.[1]
At the museum this piece of art really stood out to me because it showed a type of realism in it. The carvings on the side made the sarcophagus feel three dimensional unlike most art at the current time that were mostly two dimensional. It is approximately 7 feet long , 3 feet tall, and made of marble. There is a lot of detail carved into it from the wrinkles in clothing, to the body language, and the mythical elements. The sarcophagus does show the four seasons if the art is looked at closely. It may be showing the joy the person once had on earth during all four seasons that will occur yearly.
At the center the god Dinoysos is riding a leopard in which he is known to be symbolized with. Surrounding Dinoysos are four completely naked young men. Usually to symbolize beauty it would have been women instead of young men. Each man is holding an item that is suppose to represent the four seasons. Carved around the five centric images are Bacchic figures, mother earth, and a bearded man.[2] Dionysos scenes evoke feelings of celebration, and release from the cares of this world the cult of Dionysos also seemed to offer hope for a pleasurable afterlife.
This sarcophagus was made from marble which was probably shipped to Rome from turkey. In order to carve marble it involved a slow, careful chipping away procedure. The materials used to complete such task was a hammer and a chisel. After the chipping was done, it would have a rough surface. In order to smooth out the rough surface one would use another stone called abrasion to transform the art into a smooth piece.[3]
Art 4013
Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons Sarcophagus
The Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons Sarcophagus was created in 260–270 A.D. At this time it was considered the anarchy period of ancient Rome. This sarcophagus was built in Ancient Rome and is made of marble . Although the creator of this sarcophagus is unknown, it is known that it was made for a wealthy owner.[1]
At the museum this piece of art really stood out to me because it showed a type of realism in it. The carvings on the side made the sarcophagus feel three dimensional unlike most art at the current time that were mostly two dimensional. It is approximately 7 feet long , 3 feet tall, and made of marble. There is a lot of detail carved into it from the wrinkles in clothing, to the body language, and the mythical elements. The sarcophagus does show the four seasons if the art is looked at closely. It may be showing the joy the person once had on earth during all four seasons that will occur yearly.
At the center the god Dinoysos is riding a leopard in which he is known to be symbolized with. Surrounding Dinoysos are four completely naked young men. Usually to symbolize beauty it would have been women instead of young men. Each man is holding an item that is suppose to represent the four seasons. Carved around the five centric images are Bacchic figures, mother earth, and a bearded man.[2] Dionysos scenes evoke feelings of celebration, and release from the cares of this world the cult of Dionysos also seemed to offer hope for a pleasurable afterlife.
This sarcophagus was made from marble which was probably shipped to Rome from turkey. In order to carve marble it involved a slow, careful chipping away procedure. The materials used to complete such task was a hammer and a chisel. After the chipping was done, it would have a rough surface. In order to smooth out the rough surface one would use another stone called abrasion to transform the art into a smooth piece.[3]