This Assyrian relief depicts a winged divinity who seems to be tending to a sacred tree. The relief was originally painted and it would be amazing to see how it looked in its intended colours.
A woman and man appear to be working together. The man paints a piece of pottery and the woman holds a small fan made of fronds. The high front hairstyle of the woman suggests a Flavian or Trajanic date.
This scene offers some insights into Roman processes of construction. There seems to be enough finger pointing to suggest that collaboration was key then just as it is today!
The detail of the apotheosis scene from the base of the column of Antoninus Pius is jaw-dropping. The central figure is thought to be winged Aion carrying Antoninus and Faustina into the divine beyond.
For #ReliefWednesday the so-called Jupiter Cameo, carved in a sardonyx, showing Jupiter and Juno. They were identified as Marcus Aurelius and his wife. The cameo was made during they reign of the emperor. The depiction does not imply that he and Faustina Minor were regarded as deities. The intention was rather to emphasise the sacral legitimacy of the imperial authority.
Dating 160/175 AD.
This subtle colourisation of the Ara Pacis’ ‘Tellus panel’ remains one of my favourites. The colours were likely much more vibrant in the original painting, but the details revealed by the use of any colouring is jaw dropping.
This relief, part of the Sebasteion at Aphrodisias is thought to depict a personification of the Roman emperor crowned by a personification of the Roman people (or the Senate or both!). The corona civica was awarded for saving the life of a citizen.
This detailed ivory relief is thought to depict the goddess Roma ~ C5th–C6th CE
Roma appeared with a helmet and staff, and holds the globe in her hand while being crowned by the goddess Victory.
This is part of a diptych showcasing a personification of Constantinople but I’m afraid I don’t have a picture of that side. But pairing these two together would make perfect sense in a world where Constantinople was increasingly the central city and Rome a historic symbol…
This depiction of praetorians comes from the Arch of Claudius celebrating his invasion of Britain. The arch has not survived, but this panel suggests the artistry used to enhance the sense of military glory…
The monument of Eurysaces the baker offers us a beautiful insight into the funerary displays possible in the late Republic/early principate while also offering a great cycle of friezes exploring the making of baked goods in ancient Rome.
Delicious!
The excellent illustration allows you to see more clearly all the phases of getting the bread made from the extant sides of the monument.
This Greek marble stele commemorates a young girl. Although there is some damage to her face and what she holds (pomegranates?), the poignant grief of saying goodbye to a child too soon is clear.
This limestone funerary stele has a lot to offer with remnants of colour as well as two very good doggos. We’re giving this piece an 11/10 for the dogs alone!
🕰️ C2nd–C4th CE
📍Terenouthis, Egypt
🏛 Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Diana sits in divine nudity with her cloak offering respite from the rock ledge she sits on. She sits before a garlanded altar with a small herm, her quiver nearby.
This relief was found at Hadrian’s villa in Tivoli. The young man (Castor?) seems to be in a tousle for control with the horse while a dog watches on. Likely Roman in manufacture, but definitely inspired by the Greek style!
Working #women are frequently attested in the #Roman empire: the funerary stele of Sentia Amarantis depicts the deceased tapping wine from a barrel. She was an inn-keeper and died at the age of 45. The stele was set up by her husband.
From Augusta Emerita/Mérida, Spain, dating 3rd century AD.
In this relief, we see stacks of amphorae delicately wedged together to ensure they remain upright. Next to the stack are two figures, one carries an amphora over their shoulder.
For #ReliefWednesday a #Roman representation of everyday life: A relief from #Ostia, depicting a vegetable and flower seller behind a stall, showing off an array of products on the table.
It's the Day of Hermes aka Mercurius Day aka #Wednesday! 🐏
For #AllHallows, have a relief of #Hermes in his role as #psychopomp. Hermes guides the souls of the dead to the underworld. Here, he takes the hand of a dead woman named Myrrhine on the way down to Hades.
🏛 Relief on Myrrhine's lekythos, ca 420-410 BCE, National Archaeological Museum, #Athens