The Marble Sarcophagus With The Triumph Of Dionysus And The Seasons

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Throughout time works of art have developed and represented many of the great minds and leaders of life. Such artworks leave behind symbols of power and excellence as they capture the importance and qualities of said person and/or group of people. The piece I have chosen to focus on is known as The Marble Sarcophagus With the Triumph of Dionysus and the Seasons. This marble piece arises from the late Imperial Galliano period within the Roman culture; this piece was created during ca. A. D. 260-70 and is classified as a stone sculpture. Sarcophagi exploit positions of power and importance due to the craftsmen material use, visual creation, shape, and the stories they engrave onto the sarcophagus as well. The Marble Sarcophagus can be identified as a great symbol of power due to its personal use as well as its sculpted imagery significance. With this particular sarcophagus, Dionysus, Greek god of wine who is also referred to as Bacchus in Roman culture, is presented with visual representations of the seasons. …show more content…

The Metmuseum.org states that, “The central figure is that of the god Dionysos seated on a panther, but he is somewhat overshadowed by four larger standing figures who represent the four seasons (from left to right, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall)”. By designating the central figure as the god Dionysos it is safe to assume that the overall work of art is setting a foundation on which the work is based on. Given the title of being a “god” commemorates the idea of the power and influence held by Dionysos himself over festivities and the change in seasonal pleasures and enjoyment. When thinking of Dionysus, the thought that comes to mind is a god in control of the harvest of grapes in order to manufacture of

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