Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus
Roman, c.230 AD
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
circa 210 AD
Materials
Marble
Measurements
1000 x 2340 x 890 mm
Order this imageCollection
Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
NT 766176
Caption
A Roman marble sarcophagus which dates from c.230 AD. The sarcophagus shows the Triumph of Dionysus scene. Dionysus was known by his Roman name as Bacchus and was the god of wine and harvesting grapes. The figure of Hercules is at the front of the procession of Dionysus returning to Greece from India, depicted in marble.
Summary
Sculpture, marble, Sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysus, Roman, c.210/239 AD. Dionysus drives in his panther-drawn chariot on the left, bring up the rear of the Bacchic procession, which is headed by Herakles in his lion-skin on right. the procession includes two Indian captives, one riding an elephant, the other on a camel. The front is a separate carved panel that has been attached to a different plain sarcophagus to make the whole..
Provenance
Florence in 18th century - Prince Borghese, Rome - aquired from him by 1st Lord Astor, 1893-1900.
Makers and roles
Roman, c.230 AD , sculptor