Image: Roman - Sarcophagus Depicting the Birth of Dionysus - Walters 2333

Description: This sarcophagus, also called the "Childhood Sarcophagus," depicts the birth of the god Dionysus (the Roman Bacchus) in exquisitely detailed high relief. At the left, the newborn god is nursed by a nymph and surrounded by Silenus-his future teacher-and other attendants, including one preparing a basin for the child's first bath. A panther cub, the god's favorite animal, is seated on the ground. To the right, satyrs and maenads, including a drunken old man, celebrate the god's birth. On the lid, satyrs and maenads-followers of the wine god-feast at a banquet. On the sides of the lid, Dionysus's panther drinks from an overturned wine vessel. The coffin is small, as if made for a child rather than for an adult.
Title: Sarcophagus Depicting the Birth of Dionysus
Credit: Walters Art Museum: Home page  Info about artwork
Author: Anonymous (Roman Empire)
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Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No