Advanced Search 
Circular box (pyxis) with relief of Triumph of Dionysos and Ariadne
Roman
Late Imperial Period
about A.D. 350–400
Medium/Technique
Silver, beaten rather than cast
Dimensions
Height x width: 4 3/4 x 1 1/4 in. (12 x 3.2 cm)
Credit Line
Otis Norcross Fund
Accession Number1970.491
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Arretine Pottery (MFA), pls. 39-40.
DescriptionFragment (the other part of the same object is 1977.170) of the bottom of a circular container (sometimes called a casket) with figural scene of the Triumph of Dionysos in a centaur wagon, and accompanied by maenads, satyrs, and Pan, as well as Ariadne in her own wagon. Figural relief is borderd at top and bottom by a twisted rope pattern.
Details: Female centaurs (pulling the wagon on right end of 1970.491), she blows oliphant. Pan capers over shield (?) or enriched wineskin (?), a Maenad beyond holds a similar object in her outstretched hands. A satyr with nebris and panther-shorts (?) drags a panther to right by tail; he holds a pedum in left hand. At right, maenad with covered kylix revels to right.
Details: Female centaurs (pulling the wagon on right end of 1970.491), she blows oliphant. Pan capers over shield (?) or enriched wineskin (?), a Maenad beyond holds a similar object in her outstretched hands. A satyr with nebris and panther-shorts (?) drags a panther to right by tail; he holds a pedum in left hand. At right, maenad with covered kylix revels to right.
Provenance1970, sold by Mohammad Yeganeh (dealer; b. 1929 - d. 2012), Frankfurt, to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 10, 1970)