The relief panels from the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias are incredible on their own but seeing them in context truly strengthens their impact. The central panel here shows Aeneas carrying his father away from Troy.
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#reliefwednesday
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Herakles saves Prometheus from his horrific punishment for giving the gift of fire to humankind in this relief from the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias. Herakles has shot the eagle sent each day to gnaw on Prometheus’ liver and seeks to undo Prometheus’ manacles.
Aphrodite is captured in all her glory in this pediment from Atrium House at Aphrodisias. Her Triton attendants gaze up at her reverence as she sits on a seashell and holds up her long hair.
For #ReliefWednesday nothing quite makes my imagination soar as this gently colourised interpretation of the so-called ‘Tellus’ panel from the Ara Pacis. While the panel was likely much more vibrant than this example suggests, I love the way it draws your eye to the details.
Nero being crowned by his mother Agrippina the Younger is a stand out image from the Sebasteion at Aphrodisias. Agrippina carries the cornucopia signalling her alignment with the goddess Fortuna.
Nero is dressed in a rather more mortal form in the accoutrements of a Roman military commander.
While Aphrodisias was far from the centre, these portraits capture the likeness of Nero and Agrippina that suggests careful work to adhere to the Julio-Claudian approved styles for sculpture. Of course, Nero’s accession was also the height of Agrippina’s political influence which is reinforced in this relief.
For #ReliefWednesday a representation of Minerva, the #Roman goddess of wisdom, arts, crafts, and warfare. She's carrying the helmet, a lance, and a shield. The deity is accompanied by an #owl, her sacred animal.
Found in Burgstall an der Murr.
Dating 2nd/3rd century AD.
This #ReliefWednesday we are enamoured of this gorgeous fragment that shows an almost nude man on a horse. Both are superbly detailed but the question of comfort for rider (and horse) lingers in the air…
For #ReliefWednesday a relief from a #Roman funeral chest depicting a shoe last, a hammer, an ascia (a form of adze), and a rasp. The deceased produced shoe lasts, it was important to show the source of income.
Found in Neumagen, 3rd c. AD
From the base of the Column of Antoninus Pius. While the main scene depicts the apotheosis of Antoninus and his wife Faustina, the side panels (of which this is one) depict the decursio equitum performed at the funeral. Riders appear to move in a ring around the praetorian guard at the centre.
This #ReliefWednesday we offer you this fragmentary relief showing a retiarius facing it off against a secutor. The secutor appears to have the upper hand with their shield fending off the retiarius’ trident. The partial inscription in Greek is thought to name the gladiators.
#ReliefWednesday This lively market scene showcases some of the variety and sights you might find in ancient Ostia. There’s rabbits, monkeys and a hint of snails for sale amongst other things!
#ReliefWednesday: A stunning Hadrianic red marble relief from the Ludovisi Collection, now in the Palazzo #Altemps Rome. This 2nd century CE masterpiece shows a Maenad - a follower of Dionysus - adorned with grape leaves and vines. Originally part of a Roman fountain, the mask's eyes and mouth channeled water in an ancient bath complex. 
#RomanArt #AncientRome #Archaeology #RomanSculpture
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More of an inscription than a relief, though the two forms are related, but I had the Res Gestae on my mind today thinking about Augustus’ claim to have had great auctoritas (influence) but not more potestas (power) than anyone else. A fine distinction to us but perhaps more readily understood by a Roman of the day!
#ReliefWednesday: The Arch of Constantine's attic panels show fascinating Roman imperial recycling. These reliefs, originally showing Marcus Aurelius addressing troops and sacrificing (2nd c. CE), were modified with Constantine's face: he was associating himself with "Good emperors" of Rome.
Perfect example of spolia used as political messaging in stone.
#romanarchaeology #archaeology #antiquity #ancientart #ancientrome #ancienthistory
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@antiquidons
For #ReliefWednesday: A stunning relief (early 1st c. AD) captures Dionysus visiting a poet. The scene shows the poet reclining with his mistress by a table, while the god arrives with his wild entourage. Theater masks and scrolls below mark the poet's profession, while a curtain separates divine and mortal realms. A fascinating glimpse of how Romans imagined divine inspiration!
From the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
#ClassicalArt
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@antiquidons
The Sarcophagus of Portonaccio is named after the area in which it was found in 1931 and dates to c. 180 CE. The level of detail in the battle scene is extraordinary and the subject matter has led to the theory that it was intended for an army general.
For #ReliefWednesday a wonderful detailed scene that enrichs our knowledge of everyday life in the #Roman empire. It shows a #wine shop 
: Funnels are built into the counter. The wine seller is pouring wine in one of them, the customer holds a jar under the funnel, little drip trays can be seen on the ground. Jars in different sizes are hanging over the counter.
From Til-Châtel, dating 3rd c. AD
Strictly speaking we might call this a sunken or incised relief, but surely that’s okay. This fragment from the monumental Forma Urbis map of Rome produced in the Severan age shows structures on the southeastern side of the Viminal.
This relief with its highly detailed acanthus border shows the goddess Aphrodite travelling via her seashell with the support of two Tritons.
Here’s hoping your day goes as well as Aphrodite’s with her long hair and Tritons mesmerised by her divinity.
