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Strigilated Sarcophagus

 

            The Strigilated Sarcophagus with Carved Panels of Satyrs and Maenads (c.) is a marble sarcophagus that has panels of satyrs and maenads carved into panels. The sarcophagus is large enough to encase a human body lying down. The figures are carved using mostly high relief. The creatures on the sides of the sarcophagus are carved in low relief. The fabrics on the figures emphasize the folds to make it look realistic. Because of accentuating dancing satyrs and maenads, the artist creates an effect of festivity. The artist emphasizes a type of joyful event by depicting the human figures dancing. The female figures on the work are maenads, which represent ecstatic frenzy through dancing and intoxication. The male figures are satyrs, which are a type of deity that spend their time drinking, dancing and chasing nymphs. The center panel depicts a naked satyr moving forward toward the maenad. This coincides with the explanation of the actions of satyrs because it seems as though he is chasing after her. The maenad seems to be dancing around while the satyr comes towards her. The two satyrs on the work also appear to have lion hides draping over an arm. The details in the figures and the fabric flow along the work. .
             The depictions of musical instruments indicate playfulness to the scene. The satyr on the far left is holding a pan flute, which is common in images of satyrs. The maenad on the far right is holding, what appears to be, a tambourine. These musical instruments accentuate the festivity of the figures. The tambourine and pan flute suggests that the figures are dancing to the music played by the satyr and maenad. Although there is playfulness, the figures on the sides of the work of art depict a protection for the satyrs and maenads. These figures are not any creature that is known on Earth. The creature looks like a mixture of a lion, a dragon and an eagle. The dragon symbolizes strength, power and good luck.


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