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| Hall 17 | ||||
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In the center of Hall 17 are two other mosaics, one a great Nilotic scene of a banquet (fig.22). In the midst of luxuriant vegetation and aquatic animals, three figures lie under a canopy chatting and watching a dancer. To the right of this mosaic is another, older work depicting Alpheus and the nymph Arethusa, two characters from one of mythology's many love stories. |
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Hanging on the walls of this room, and somewhat too high for one to properly appreciate their technical perfection, are other mosaic panels carrying mythological motifs. It is to be regretted that there remain only small fragments from a school of art that flourished in the capital of the Ptolemies. By the door to the courtyard stands a marble sarcophagus of the Roman era decorated with bas-reliefs: Dionysus and his retinue arriving on the island of Naxos to find Ariadne asleep (fig.23). |
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The island is suggested by the stern of a ship, perhaps that on which Theseus is about to flee to Athens, abandoning the young and lovely Cretan. After a slight projection in the stone another scene with eschatological tones begins. This time it is a drunken Hercules supported-by his companions. Finally, at the back of this hall there rises the largest known porphyry statue (fig.24)..As it is unfortunately headless, no sure identification can be made, though it has been claimed as Diocletian, Constantine and even Jesus Christ.
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