Sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos is one of the most important specimens of the sculptural art of the Roman era. There are many other unique items of the Late Antiquity, which were dedicated to Dionysus; however, the sarcophagi represent a particular elegance and high quality. In 1972, the sarcophagus was bought out and is now exhibited at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. It was made of marble in AD 190– 210 in the Roman Empire (Hägele, 2013, p. 107). In addition, it has a large size: 77.5 x 208cm (Hägele, 2013, p. 107). Most likely this work of art was created by the request of one of the honored and wealthy citizens of Rome, as it can be seen from its high quality. The cult of Dionysus was very popular in Rome, and many Roman citizens used the stories from mythology with his participation as ornaments in their homes and tombs (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 42). Dionysus was considered one of the most important gods; his martyrdom and resurrection inspired the Romans. The main theme of this sarcophagus is a triumph of Dionysus, or as he was called "Bacchus" (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 48). This monument is very important for the whole cult of the ruler of the wine.
Description. This monument is a large sarcophagus, i.e. 77.5 x 208cm (Hägele, 2013, pp. 107). The sarcophagus is made of the white marble and has a rectangular shape with the rounded corners. It is hollow inside, and probably, it used to have a marble cover too. Its edges are decorated with the sculptural reliefs with multiple characters of different sizes and shapes. The subject of the reliefs has a mythological character. The story depicted in the reliefs is related to Dionysus, or rather to his triumph, which is described in mythology. "The Baltimore sarcophagus Triumph of Dionysos, which John Bryan Ward-Perkins assigned to the imperial period (AD 190– 210), 42 shows how the sculptor has “painted” a picture" (Hägele, 2013, p. 107). The sculptures of the reliefs are represented by people, a few gods, different animals, and plants. "Only a close-up will open our eyes to the fact that the giraffe’s patchy coat is so not because of the brush but because of the chisel or nose-drill and that the crinkly oak leaves are not actually yellow" (Hägele, 2013, pp. 107-108). All images on the sarcophagus are moving in one direction. The monument was likely ordered by a wealthy inhabitant of the Roman Empire, as not everyone could afford such luxuriance. The sarcophagus was used for the burial of the customer or a member of his family.
The Style and Cultural Significance. If one analyzes the development of the Roman Empire during the time of the creation of the sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysus, it becomes obvious many political, social, and religious aspects of life had already changed dramatically (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 49). The changes affected the burial rites of the Romans as well. Not many could afford such a luxury sarcophagus. The scenes depicted on the reliefs are so diverse and complex that they could focus on the most intimate representations of the Romans about their fate. Many images illustrate the "tailored Greek myths", whiled the escape from death was the main subject-matter. For example, Dionysus was "the one who overcame death", so many portrayed him on the burial stones or on the reliefs of the sarcophagi (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 41). The reliefs of the sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysus contain a constant set of the characters, which have "a stable iconography" dating back to the early monuments of Etruscan, Greek, and partly Egyptian art (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 50). The plot, which is presented on the sarcophagus, was formed under the influence of a well-known myth, as well as the widely held assumptions about the nature of the god Dionysus. The reflection of these themes in art was moved to the desire to give the image some personal traits associated with the individual wishes of the customer. That is, the sarcophagus relief's details affect the well-known myth, but it also has a unique meaning as well. The composite features of the reliefs consist in a move in the same direction. It shows a large number of characters, including animals and plants. The style of this monument is characteristic of the chiaroscuro effect. "The chiaroscuro effect creates an atmosphere imbued with life. It is by association rather than by means of perceiving chroma that we accept the presence of “colour”" (Hägele, 2013, p. 108). The reliefs' composition is quite complex and multifaceted.
The fluttering folds of garments, which significantly enliven the represented scenes, are characteristic of the art of that era. In addition, it is necessary to specify the number of plans depicted in the reliefs of the sarcophagus. That is, the number of plans characterizes the sculpture. The faces and the postures are depicted very eloquently and correctly. The high craftsmanship stands along with the unique features. The reliefs represent the flourishing picturesque methods of the creation of the Roman sarcophagi, and the sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos is a prime example of its era. The golden age, however, covers a short period of time, i.e. a few decades. This is certainly due to the general decline in the mood of the entire Roman Empire, which influenced the development of art too (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 47). Thus, taking into account such a short period of time in which the best relief's trends had evolved, it is possible to say that the sarcophagus is a unique specimen. By the beginning of the 3rd century AD, chiaroscuro in the sculpture becomes the main means of expression; hence, this effect fully applies to the reliefs of the sarcophagi. An amazing play of light and shadows can be seen on the reliefs of the sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos. It comes at the expense of volume, the number of plans, and the different sizes of the characters. The 3rd century AD is characteristic of the greater complication of the composition in a Roman relief. For example, here one can see a pile of different shapes, availability, while no background is left. The scenes are very complex, thus, the depicted story needs to be puzzled out. The individual figures differ by means of the sketchy execution and the violation of proportions. The folds of garments are depicted with the stringent broken lines, which contributes to the expression. Here can be seen the dynamics of the various postures, which depicts people and wild animals such as lions and panthers in complex ways.
Precisely, it was not easy for the master to achieve the balance of the sculptural masses and volumes. The chiaroscuro and the picturesque were more important than the calisthenics was (Elsner & Huskinson, 2011, p. 57). The drama can be seen not only in the story, but in the very nature of the execution. The juxtaposition of the shadows and the bright lit areas creates a deep and anxious mood. The viewer watches the way a marble starts to move through the overflow and shifts of the reliefs' forms. For example, the faces of all the characters (there are 40 characters) have their own unique features (Hägele, 2013, p. 109). The style, their clothes, and hair are the only features that unite them all. The master drew particular attention to the individual features. However, they do not have finesse. This may be due to a decrease in the use of certain tools like the auger. The shapes of the heads are come forward; they are compact with the well-defined contours. The hair is illustrated with the help of the small knobby curls. The reliefs on the sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos are complex compositions with a variety of shapes and the daring constructions in space. The movement of bodies is depicted in the moment of the excitement and tension. The hair and clothing also transmit the movement to complement the big picture. The way the artist depicted the expression of the characters' faces highlights the air space; the master portrayed the characters leaving to the depth of the relief. It should also be said that the author of the sarcophagus used the painting techniques, which are characteristic of portraiture. He used them as one the main means of expression of feelings. Looking at the sarcophagus' reliefs, one can see a very detailed and picturesque description of the triumph of one of the most revered gods of antiquity. The artist illustrated the triumph of Dionysus as a solemn procession in honor of the beloved deity. This God could be resurrected and reborn, like a vine which grapes die and turn into wine, giving joy and happiness. The Romans identified themselves with him, believing that this God would get a new life after death.
Conclusions
The sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos is one of the best examples of the sculpture of late antiquity. Its reliefs reflect a special moment of triumph, which brings together dozens of different characters with the unique emotions and expressions. No part of the composition is repeated, and each carries its own meaning. Dionysus represents a highly revered deity of the late antiquity, the god, who is closely associated with the themes of death and resurrection, so Dionysian theme is perfectly justified on the reliefs of the Roman monuments. The sarcophagus with the triumph of Dionysos was commissioned by the Roman citizen who appreciated the high art and believed in the resurrection. This sarcophagus is a unique testament to the high level of mastery of the ancient masters.
References
Elsner, J., & Huskinson, J. (Eds.). (2011). Millennium-Studien / Millennium Studies: Life, Death and Representation: Some New Work on Roman Sarcophagi. Berlin/Boston, DE: De Gruyter. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Hägele, H. (2013). Colour in Sculpture: A Survey from Ancient Mesopotamia to the Present (1). Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
