par De Potter, Brice
Référence Babesch. Bulletin antieke beschaving, 97, page (51-64)
Publication Publié, 2022-01-01
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : The Aristokles stele is a 4th-c. BC marble funerary marker from Attica, depicting an Athenian rider returning from the hunt. Its unique figural scene and accompanying epigram noticeably diverge from contemporary commemorative trends. Whereas on many Attic stelae, figures express sorrow in a subdued way, this monument focuses on Aristokles’ enjoyment of life. This move from traditional representations of emotion holds particular significance to our understanding of the tombstone and its context. In this article, it is argued that the emphasis on the deceased’s feelings is best understood as a conscious attempt to arouse the viewer’s sympathy towards Aristokles and his family, in a context where the Athenians viewed the cavalry with suspicion.