| Date | early 20th century (plaster cast), first quarter of the 2nd century AD (original) |
|---|---|
| Object type | plaster cast |
| Medium, technique | plaster |
| Dimensions | 97 x 58 x 58 cm |
| Inventory number | Ag.643 |
| Collection | Classical Antiquites - Plaster casts |
| On view | Star Fortress (Komárom), Portraits of Roman Emperors, Gallery XI |
The enormous marble vase with relief decoration, preserved in London, is named after one of its former owners, Charles Townley. The shape of the more than one meter tall piece evokes that of the volute krater, a mixing bowl known from classical Greek culture and used for diluting wine with water. The relief that encircles the body is also tied to the sphere of Dionysos and the wine. It shows a festive procession, with Dionysos—Bacchus, as well as Ariadne and Pan identifiable at the centre. Men and maenads — members of the retinue of Dionysos — dance around the central figures.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.
