2023
‛Secondary’ Figurative Elements as Hints for Function? The case of the St Menas ivory pyxis
CAMPINI, RubenBasic information
Original name
‛Secondary’ Figurative Elements as Hints for Function? The case of the St Menas ivory pyxis
Authors
CAMPINI, Ruben
Edition
Peripheral Vision. Marginal Themes, Motifs, Locations in Byzantine Literature and Art, 2023
Other information
Language
English
Type of outcome
Presentations at conferences
Field of Study
60401 Arts, Art history
Country of publisher
Czech Republic
Confidentiality degree
is not subject to a state or trade secret
Organization unit
Faculty of Arts
Keywords in English
St Menas, Ivory Pyxis, Abu Mena, Rome, St Paul Outside the Walls, Relics, Late Antiquity
Tags
International impact
Changed: 27/5/2024 11:33, Alžběta Filipová, M.A., Ph.D.
Abstract
In the original language
The present paper focuses on the ivory pyxis depicting the martyrdom and sanctuary of Saint Menas displayed at the British Museum in London. Specifically, it aims to tackle the question of its original function and context of the use, which, as in the case of those of the almost fifty other exemplars surviving from Late Antiquity (fourth–seventh centuries CE), are still shrouded in mystery. Remarkably, the object is the only example whose decorations are devoted to a saint and thus constitutes an interesting exception in the frame of the study of these precious containers. Therefore, my contribution will suggest – albeit without irrefutable evidence – three different lines of interpretation that will re-locate the object into three different functional contexts on the bases of iconographical, archaeological, and textual evidence. Ultimately, the contribution wishes to make a further step towards de-marginalizing these mysterious vessels.
Links
| MUNI/A/1321/2022, interní kód MU |
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