Quiz 2 Readings

Varner

Discussion of resuse/recarving of objects

Recarving was not just by circumstance, but was intentional choice of reuse of depictions of condemned/shamed emperors to celebrate famous or current emperors

Tuck

Analysis of Domitian bronze equestrian statue

Reuse of Domitian statue to depict Nerva. Face was cut and reworked (can see line at jaw/hairline that is evidence)

Lack of helmet and armor indicate that he is not in battle

Clothes - comparison to Hellenistic king, Hercules

Authors compared statue to bronze equestrian statue of Alexander the Great from Herculaneum, where he is clearly depicted as being in battle

Incorporation of the hunt into “Virtus” = Philhellenism

Hales

Discussion of depictions of Dionysus in Pompeii

Worship of Dionysus in a Hellenistic way, interest in Greek culture/art

Dionysus as god of wine, and also of madness. Images in Dionystiac mysteries leave a feeling of uneasiness, as the boarders imply a sense of containing Dionysus, and the inevitable breaking of that barrier between the viewer and the drama in the murals

Often depicted with 2 heads, due to contrasting roles as god of cultivation and as chaos/partying

Hope

Roman war and commemoration of deceased

Commemorating deceased from war is relatively new. Triumphs largely ignored the dead, unless a high ranking elite officer died.

Many soldiers who died in battle did not receive a grave, as it took effort/time the surviving soldier’s didn’t have due to war. Lack of technology made it difficult to identify and transport bodies.

Not mourning was a political move to keep spirits up and incentivize people to join military