Transgression und Trauer

Achill als exemplum maeroris auf zwei stadtrömischen Sarkophagen

Abstract

This article deals with two urban Roman sarcophagi from the Middle Antonine period as examples for the treatment of strong emotions in the process of mourning. The study is divided into three parts. In the first, the iconographic interpretation of the Achilles sarcophagus from the Pianabella necropolis in Ostia is discussed anew. For the first time, the left-hand scene of the relief on the chest is related to the Homeric episode, when Patroclus donned the armour of Achilles to deceive the Trojans. The middle section discusses the iconological consequences of this interpretation for the understanding of the sarcophagus’ relief. The depiction presumably served to address emotions such as anger, rage and feelings of guilt on the part of the bereaved by reference to the example of Achilles. Accordingly, the depiction of the dragging of Hector's body on the lid shows Achilles' excessive reaction to Patroclus' death. The third section deals with a comparable example, the so-called Neoptolemus sarcophagus in Rome. In this case, the depiction of the sacrifice of the Trojan captives presumably served both as a symbol of exceptionally intense grief and as an expression of the bereaved’s loyalty beyond death.

KEYWORDS

Achilles, Patroclus, Sarcophagus, Emotions, Grief