The "Temple of Hadrian"
Part 3: Frieze Block C
The frieze relief to the right of the doorway.
Block C is immediately to the right of the doorway inside the porch of the "Temple of Hadrian". Block D, known as the "Theodosius frieze" (see next page) is on the adjoining wall further right.
As with the other frieze blocks, the scene and individual figures have been interpreted in different ways. The figure on the far left, for example has been seen as Roma, with Apollo (6th from left), Androklos (8th), a figure riding the wild boar mentioned in the foundation myth (although it looks more like a small elephant), and Athena (far right).
Robert Fleischer (see note on gallery page 22) numbered the ten figures C1 - C10, from left to right, and identified the scene as representing four Amazons (C1-C4) fleeing from Dionysus and his thiasos (retinue, companions). Dionysus (C6) stands in the centre, holding what appears to be a thyrsos in his raised right hand, and embracing the smaller figure (C7) of a Satyr (or Silenus) with his left hand. A diminiutive Pan (C5) leans to the left from behind Dionysus' back, looking in the direction of the Amazons; one of his goat's legs can be seen between the legs of Dionysus. The ninth figure (C9), possibly a Satyr, riding an elephant probably refers to the "Triumph of Dionysus". The female figure on the far right (C10) is thus seen as a Maenad is holding a tympanon (drum), cymbals or some other object.
Fleischer thought the male figure (C8) between the Satyr/Silen and the elephant was also a Satyr, but he is far too tall, and appears to be a warrior about to throw a spear with his raised right arm. He may be Androklos.
The three almost identical striding or running figures on the left (C2-C4), with raised right arms, carry pelte type shields like one of the Amazons on Block B (see previous page), and as on Block B the fourth Amazon (C1) appear to have fallen to her knees. Nada Saporiti (see note on gallery page 22) identified the three figures as Kuretes, priests of Artemis Ephesia, suggesting that the scene refers to celebrations in honour of Artemis and Dionysus.
This relief is a copy of the original now in the
Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Selçuk. Inv. No. 715.
Marble. Height 60 cm, width 182 cm, depth 74 cm. |
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