Per uno studio dei sarcofagi ostiensi: esemplari più antichi, raffigurazioni mitiche, Muse. Note preliminari e ipotesi interpretative.

Abstract

The sarcophagi of Ancient Ostia belong to a period between the 1st century A.D. and the 4th century A.D. and are decorated with themes and motifs widespread in the urban production of Rome. Among the most significant decorations there are the mythical representations, which in several cases are characterized by unusual episodes on the Roman funeral coffins or proposed with unusual variations. Through the analysis of some specimens known to the specialist critics, this article aims to highlight how the production of sarcophagi in Ostia has specific artistic and stylistic characteristics, due to the particular city context. The harbor basin creates in fact in the ancient Roman colony a lively social, economic and political environment, an ideal setting for the development of a rich and refined clientele, which shows itself through a funerary sculpture with particular iconographies and compositions.

Keywords: Ancient Ostia, Sarcophagi, Myths, Muses, Collegia