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Source Image: PR320_01_22 of Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) of Aphrodisias: South Agora

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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
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drilling is visible in the hair and facial features of the mask. Whether this was done before or after the block was put in place is unclear but since most of the work seems to have been done on the ground beforehand there is no reason why this should not also have been.

2. Block joint

Process
Placement
Description
The end of the garland on the right is left roughly shaped along the block joint suggesting that it was left like this for finishing in place. This would indicate that the rest of the carving that is visible was done before these blocks were erected.

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.

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