Deer Hunting Scene in the Decoration of the Clazomenian Sarcophagus from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18688/aa2313-1-4

Keywords:

Clazomenian terracotta sarcophagus, Archaic period, funeral cult, black-figure painting, ancient hunt, deer hunt, Achaemenid imperial art, paradeisos, Greek aristocracy

Abstract

The richly decorated terracotta sarcophagus (510 B. C.) from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna was found in Asia Minor, presumably in one of the Clazomenian necropolises. To date we are aware of about 200 Clazomenian sarcophagi. Their strictly regulated decorative system represents the same (with very few exceptions) compositional schemes (heraldic, symmetrical) and recurring images (hoplites, riders, chariots, mythical creature, animal friezes, etc.).

However, one of the panels of the Clazomenian sarcophagus from Vienna presents an essentially different compositional scheme (open and dynamic) and the unique motive of a deer hunt with horses and chariots. In our opinion, the reason for this exclusive choice can be attributed to the artistic influence of the Achaemenid empire, which reflected common ideology of the regional elites.

Author Biography

  • Maria N. Nenakhova, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
    Nenakhova, Maria N. — Ph. D. student. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation; SPIN-code: 1778-1134; ORCID: 0000-0002-4178-6324

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Published

2023-10-11

How to Cite

Nenakhova, M. N. (2023). Deer Hunting Scene in the Decoration of the Clazomenian Sarcophagus from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Actual Problems of Theory and History of Art, 13, 42–50. https://doi.org/10.18688/aa2313-1-4