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Marble sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne

ca. 130–150 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162
On the lid, shown in delicate low relief, winged erotes drive chariots drawn by animals associated with the four seasons: bears with spring, lions with summer, bulls with fall, and boars with winter. On the front, four erotes bear seasonal garlands composed of flowers, wheat, grapes, pomegranates, and laurel. Between the swags are three episodes from the myth of the Greek hero Theseus. With the help of the Cretan princess Ariadne, Theseus slew the Minotaur, a part-bull and part-human monster who was caged in a labyrinth, where he consumed Athenian boys and girls sent as annual tribute. Depicted from left to right are: Ariadne giving a thread to Theseus at the entrance to the labyrinth, Theseus slaying the Minotaur, and the sleeping Ariadne abandoned on the island of Naxos, where she will be awakened by the god Dionysos to become his immortal bride.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne
  • Period: Hadrianic or early Antonine
  • Date: ca. 130–150 CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble, Luni and Pentelic
  • Dimensions: 31 in. × 85 3/4 in. × 28 in. (78.7 × 217.8 × 71.1 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase by subscription, 1890
  • Object Number: 90.12a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1246. Marble sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne, Part 1

1246. Marble sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne, Part 1

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