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Document Details :
Title: Antike Dornausziehergruppen
Author(s): MEINECKE, Katharina
Volume: 91 Date: 2016
The Cavaspina groups with one character pulling a thorn from the other’s foot are one of the most popular ancient motifs. They were depicted in all genres of ancient art from the Hellenistic Age to Late Antiquity. Especially popular was the combination of a satyr and Pan, rendered in 18 statuettes and on 16 Dionysian sarcophagi from the Roman Imperial Age. In addition, there are Cavaspina groups made up of two satyrs, a satyr and an old woman, or two peasants, represented in different media of ancient art. These different variations of the group are analysed in the following article and collected in a catalogue. Since all depicted figures belong to the Dionysian sphere, by evaluating ancient literary sources, the Cavaspina group is interpreted as a votive sculpture illustrating the pain from which Dionysus can release his followers.