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Metadata
Object Name |
Theatrical Mask of Tragedy |
Object ID# |
MC 0553 |
Date |
5th century BC |
Description |
Tragedy, according to Aristotle's famous definition, aroused "pity and terror". The plots were usually drawn from the legends of the heroic age. Theatrical masks of comedy and tragedy known as masks of Epidaurus because they became famous during the festivals in the said town. The players wore these masks when performing plays in the theatres of Dionyssos, Herode Atticus, Epidaurus, Delphi. Tragedy, according to Aristotle's famous definition, aroused 'pity and terror'. The plots were usually drawn from the legends of the heroic age, already recounted in epic poetry, and the audience knew at least the main outlines of the story. The fate of the characters showed the working out of the will of the gods, who were often represented on the stage. Each dramatist, however, was free to adapt and interpret the legends as he thought fit. The Orestes story, dramatized by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, tells how Agamemnon, on his return from Troy, was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, together with the Trojan princess, Cassandra, whom he had brought back as his captive. |
Place of Origin |
Epidaurus Greece |
Medium |
Mask |
Material |
Clay |
Location of Original |
National Archaeological Museum Athens Greece |
Dimensions Details |
Height: 233 mm Width: 168 mm Depth: 104 mm |