Die Funktion und Bedeutung der Reiter- und Pferdeführerdarstellungen auf attischen Grab- und Weihreliefs des 5. und 4. Jhs. v. Chr
By: Angelos Tillios
Series: BAR international series -- 2137; BAR international series -- 2137.
Publisher: Archaeopress
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Oxford, England
Language: ger
Number of pages: 136
ISBN-13: 9781407306780
Subjects: Cavalry; Catalogs; Social life and customs; Equestrian order (Athens); Sepulchral monuments; Antiquities; Religious life and customs; Relief (Sculpture), Greek; Horsemen and horsewomen in art; Themes, motives; Horses in art; Votive offerings; History
Description: "The present study aims to define the function and meaning of images of horsemen and horse leaders on Attic grave and votive reliefs in the religious, political and social context of Attica in the fifth and fourth century B.C. The funerary reliefs are examined within the context of the socio-political development of the image and mentality of the equestrians. Beyond their social and religious dimensions, these reliefs convey the anthropological dimension of death and illustrate positive social roles and ideals. The image of the horseman is signified semantically and generalized to represent the body of citizens collectively on the basis of the ideal of Athenian citizenship as formulated by the city-state and accepted by the Athenian citizens. The image of the horse is herein revealed as a special semiotic and iconographical element of Attic imagery which can be fully understood only when examined within its operational context. Therefore, it may serve to designate public space, represent democratic values and ideals of both the polis and of conflicting social groups, display the integration of horsemen in Athenian citizenship, or indicate particular religious beliefs of hero cult."--Publisher's website.
Notes: Slightly rev. and updated version of thesis (doctoral)--Universität Heidelberg, 2000.

Includes bibliographical references.