Loading
 

Source Image: PR320_01_15 of Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) of Aphrodisias: South Agora

annotations
Increase Brightness Increase Contrast
Monochrome Sharpen

Description

Detail of a block of the masks and garlands frieze from the South Agora at Aphrodisias, now in Izmir.

Monument
Aphrodisias: South Agora 
Monument Part
Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) 
Monument Type
Architecture 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
bc None 
Keywords
MaskGarlandEntablature  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Izmir Archaeological Museum 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Roundel
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description
The face of the mask is carved with the round-headed chisel held closer to the vertical than normal resulting in a mottled effect on the stone.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Tooth Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
The background is flattened with the tooth chisel.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drill holes are visible in the corner of the eyes, the nostrils, and the corners of the mouth.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Channelling Tool
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
A channelling tool has been used following drilling in the mouth.

Notes

On many of the blocks of this mask and garland frieze, which are now split between Aphrodisias and the Archaeological Museum in Izmir, a difference in finish between the masks and garlands can be noted which might suggest a division of labour between specialist garland and figure carvers. There is also a marked difference in technique and quality between blocks, suggesting that a range of carvers were involved in this major municipal project.

Videos

Related Images