A Myth for a Smith

A Meleager Sarcophagus from a Tomb in Ostia

Bibliographic Data

ID5070412
AuthorsEve D''Ambra, Eve D’ambra (corresponding author), Eve D'Ambra
Year1988
Volume92
Issue1
Pages85-99
Publication date1988-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9114 • E-ISSN: 1939-828X
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2307/505872
OpenAlexW2320896732
LanguageEN
Citations received8

This article focuses on the relationship between the exterior and interior decoration of two second-century tombs in the Isola Sacra Necropolis outside Ostia. Terracotta reliefs depicting the occupations of the deceased were placed on the tomb facades while the chambers were adorned with mythological sarcophagi and paintings. The selection of mythological subjects is shown to complement the professions of the deceased, and evidence of a decorative program emerges for both of the tombs. The social background of the deceased, the differences in theme and style of the decorations, and the audience for these works within and without the tomb are also discussed

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Art history · Literature · Mythology · Painting · Style (visual arts) · Terracotta · Theme (computing) · Visual arts · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome · History