Silver handle from a serving dish. Culture: Roman. Dimensions: length (preserved) 22.71 cm. Date: early 3rd century A.D.. The handle depicts the triumphal return of Dionysus from India, an important aspect of the mystery cult, symbolizing triumph over death. The scene occurs frequently on contemporary Roman sarcophagi, but here the procession is shown in the context of Roman trophies, captives, and weapons. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The handle depicts the triumphal return of Dionysus from India, an important aspect of the mystery cult, symbolizing triumph over death. https://c7.alamy.com/comp/PA990A/silver-handle-from-a-serving-dish-culture-roman-dimensions-length-preserved-2271-cm-date-early-3rd-century-ad-the-handle-depicts-the-triumphal-return-of-dionysus-from-india-an-important-aspect-of-the-mystery-cult-symbolizing-triumph-over-death-the-scene-occurs-frequently-on-contemporary-roman-sarcophagi-but-here-the-procession-is-shown-in-the-context-of-roman-trophies-captives-and-weapons-museum-metropolitan-museum-of-art-new-york-usa-PA990A.jpg

 

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 21 December 2022
Indian Triumph of Dionysus Mosaic Download Full Size Image

The Indian Triumph of Dionysus mosaic once decorated a dining room (triclinium) in Setifis, a colony for Roman veterans founded during the reign of Nerva (r. 96-98 CE). The central panel of the mosaic depicts the triumphal return of Dionysus from his conquest of India. The god is shown riding a chariot pulled by two tigers. He is surrounded by prisoners, maenads, satyrs, and exotic animals. The mosaic is dated to the early 4th century CE.

Museum of Sétif, Algeria.

 

 

 

 


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