I sarcofagi di Milos
In: Archeologia Classica: 58, 2007
Permalink: http://digital.casalini.it/2996878
The study of sarcophagi of Milos island increases the knowledge about the sarcophagi discovered in the Cyclades. As on the other Cyclades islands, the Attic sarcophagi are the predominant typology, though their number is limited to two examples. On the contrary Cycladic sarcophagi are absent. They constitute a separate group which is typical of this area and probably, Paros is their production centre. There is no presence of microasiatic pieces. They are attested in Cycladic ambit, even though in extremely marginal measure respect to Attic sarcophagi. Among Greek sarcophagi of Roman age, the Eros and Psyche sarcophagus, preserved at the Archeological Museum of Plaka, may be regarded as unicum, because in its decoration it collects up models belonging to diverse traditions, Attic, urban and Cycladic. This coexistence of heterogeneous elements is ascribable to the availability of different patterns, circulated by workers who have different origins, perhaps working in nearby islands or in Minor Asia, instead of in Milos. The absence of marble or stone quarries in this island seems to exclude the existence of sculpture and sarcophagi workshops.