Original scientific paper

Two fragments of roman friezes from Pula

Predrag Vuković ; Filoofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu

Abstract

Colonia lulia Polentia Herculanea, Pula was not only an important colony in the 10th century Italiana region of Venetia et Histria but had achieved an extremly important position in Roman art. The high-point of Pula's development was from the 1st the 3rd century. Two fragment of friezes date from that time showing sphinxes, itiphallic hermea and a griffin with a cantharos. Sphinx and griffins are imaginary mythical creatures know in both Greek and Roman art. They are not real but belong to the imaginary world, brought to life only by artistic imagination. The two fragments from Pula under consideration were part of a limestone frieze. The carving is in moderate relief, high quality and exceptionally precise work, with great attention paid to anatomy and the presentation of the creatures, clear liines and uncluttered surfaces. In interpreting the relief we must recall that the Istria of the time was settled by Italian citizens, veterans, colonists, freed-men coming from the east, who brought with them their religions and their gods who they continued to honour in their new location, Eastern cults and varied religious beliefs were very widespread especially from the end of the 1st century. It is within this context that we must consider the Pula frieze which will help is date and place it. Sphinxes, Hermae and griffons indicate a link with the Dionysian mysteries, spiritual cleansing, a new life and ressurection. From the artistic point of view the fragments show traces of Roman art under the influence of early classical archaism and the more florid models of late classical art. They must have been part of some important religious building, connected with the Dionysian cult. They are made in local limestone and the product of one of the Pula workshops which modeled themselves on the patterns of Roman reliefs. Stylistic analysis and comparison with similar work allows us to date them from the second half of 1st century or to the 2nd century. Their tension, various artistic mannerisms, passion for elegance, and at the same time craftsmanship, and feeling make them unique among Roman art works of Istria.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

148076

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148076

Publication date:

15.12.1997.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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