jan 1, 250 - Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus

Description:

Battle of the Romans and Barbarians (Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus), c. 250-260 C.E. (Museo Nazionale Romano-Palazzo Altemps, Rome)

Romans portray themselves as the good guys against goths (Celtic tribes that were in Western Europe). Portray themselves as more noble and heroic. The goths are caricatures with puffy cheeks and noses. Everyone is piled on top of the other. No autonomy in the world. À large marble tomb, every area is carved. 2-4 layers of figures or forms. Hard to follow each body. At the top is the hero, coming in on his horse, offset against his wild looking horse, juxtaposed against his very calm figure. Looks like à sunburst. Romans are stern and serious, which implies seriousness of battle. Towards teh bottom, the figures get smaller, like looking down from above, an organizing perspective. Some heads are framed by shields and other elements of the sculpture. The most shadows are in the goths, but the smoothness is reserved for the Romans. Choice to move away from high classical, and intention being placed on interaction between the figures. The empire is undergoing political changes and instabilities that are almost reflected by the chaotic nanture of this relief.

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