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Source Image: PR304_02_06 of Bull Console of Aphrodisias: Hadrianic Baths

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Description

Colossal console depicting the minotaur from the Hadrianic Baths.

Monument
Aphrodisias: Hadrianic Baths 
Monument Part
Bull Console 
Monument Type
Architecture 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
circa ad 117 - circa ad 138 
Keywords
MinotaurFoliageMouldingConsole  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Aphrodisias 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Squaring
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Hard
Description
The rear half of this console, which would have been inserted into a wall, has been left roughly squared with the point chisel.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description
The moulded panel containing the S-shaped motif on the right is unfinished. The border has been carved, as has the central motif, but rough work on the area around this motif was apparently aborted midway through. Marks of the point chisel can be seen in this area.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drill work is visible in the foliage beneath the bull's head as well as in the eyes, nostrils, and hair of the bull.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Channelling Tool
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
Following drilling, a channelling tool was used in the hair and the foliage to create the deep grooves visible.

Notes

The unfinished panel on the side of this console shows how the carver planned out this decorative motif. The border of the panel was carved first, then the central S-shaped motif was worked out, before the background of the panel was cut back to the required depth.

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