Where Is Marble sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysos

Q: Who was buried in this sarcophagus?

The owner is unknown, but only a very wealthy and powerful person could have afforded it. The marble was quarried in the eastern Mediterranean and shipped to Rome. The design came from a pattern book, meaning it wasn't custom-made for the individual.

Q: What does the scene depict?

Dionysos seated on a panther, flanked by four figures representing the Seasons. Dionysiac imagery on sarcophagi expressed hope for a joyful afterlife. The cult of Dionysos offered believers the promise of celebration beyond death.

Q: Where can I see it?

It's in Gallery 162 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It measures 34 x 85 x 36 inches and dates to around 260-270 CE.

Ancient Roman This monumental marble sarcophagus shows the god Dionysos seated on a panther, flanked by four large standing figures representing the Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. A bearded river-god reclines at one end, accompanied by two winged youths. The carving is deeply cut and virtuosic.

Only a very wealthy person could have commissioned this. The marble came from an eastern Mediterranean quarry and was shipped to Rome for carving, revealing the empire's vast luxury trade networks. Dionysiac scenes on sarcophagi evoked celebration and offered hope for a pleasurable afterlife. The design came from a sculptor's pattern book rather than reflecting any personal significance for the deceased.

It dates to around 260-270 CE and measures 34 x 85 x 36 inches. It's in Gallery 162 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The owner is unknown, but only a very wealthy and powerful person could have afforded it. The marble was quarried in the eastern Mediterranean and shipped to Rome. The design came from a pattern book, meaning it wasn't custom-made for the individual.

Dionysos seated on a panther, flanked by four figures representing the Seasons. Dionysiac imagery on sarcophagi expressed hope for a joyful afterlife. The cult of Dionysos offered believers the promise of celebration beyond death.

It's in Gallery 162 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It measures 34 x 85 x 36 inches and dates to around 260-270 CE.

Marble sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons

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The Artist

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About Marble sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons

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