Original scientific paper
ON DESTROYED CENTRAL MOTIF OF THE FRIEZE IN DIOCLETIAN`S MAUSOLEUM
Duje Rendić Miočević
; Zagreb, Hrvatska akademija znanosti i umjetnosti
Abstract
The17th century intervention of the Archbishop of Split, Markantun Dominis, in the eastern wall of the Cathedral (former Mausoleum of the Emperor Diocletian), mutilated the frieze around the inner walls of this outstanding monument of Roman architecture. When windows were pierced through thick walls above the present-day main altar, central part ofthe frieze, whose content is unknown, was destroyed. The portraits of Dioklecijan and his wife Prisca, placed near the pilasters and columns, are peripheral to all three intercolumniations.In the author's opinion they suggest their belonging to the final thematic block showing apotheosis in the three eastern intercolumniations (4,5 and 6). The emphasis was on the central space between the columns, more precisely on the missing one. Since the portraits of Diocletian and his wife Prisca were shown in the preserved part of the frieze, this central field which is dominant part of the triptych,must have been reserved for a person that in the hierarchy stood above the Emperor himself. As Diocletian considered himself to be Jupiter's son (lovius), it seems only logical that Jupiter was represented there, but not as a human figure, but as an eagle which was his main symbol and frequent substitution onmonuments from imperial period. Some analogies from Roman and Helenistic art speak in favour of this thesis such as metal plaques from Vindonissa ornated with eagle and figures of Tiberius and Nero (?), cult buildings architrave relieves from South Syria (Hosan Soleiman, Ira etc.) with eagles, puttis, or Helios and Selene with obligatory girlands. Some other iconographic schemes are taken into consideration, according to which beside eagle as main Jupiter's symbol - Diokletian Jupiter's son - is connected with (Helios, Sol) as is shown on the well known ara in the Capitoline museum in Rome, votive inscription from Caruntum 307. A. D., and from Split temple wall brackets with Hercules' eagles and Sol'sfigures. All possible variations leave open the possibility of restitution of the missing partof Mausoleum frieze, with serious presumption that it should contain Jupiter's main symbol-eagle. Jupiter Diocletian link on this memorial Mausoleum frieze, grants to Diocletian, Iovius, the builder of the Palace, most prominent place which makes him equal with the Supreme of the Roman Pantheon recompensating him of the omitted consecration.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
117971
URI
Publication date:
10.2.1992.
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