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Ficoroni cist Bronze ritual vessel from women's Dionysiac procession featuring homoerotic symbols and engraved with scenes from the voyage of the Argo. The feet depict Hercules and Iolaus, with Eros standing in between. The finial group is made up of Dionysus flanked by two ithyphallic (sexually aroused) satyrs. One side of the engraving shows an embracing couple tentatively identified as Hercules and Hylas (closeup of engraving has been enhanced for clarity). Praeneste, 4th century BCE. Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia, Rome.

Ficoroni cist

Bronze ritual vessel from women's Dionysiac procession featuring homoerotic symbols and engraved with scenes from the voyage of the Argo. The feet depict Hercules and Iolaus, with Eros standing in between. The finial group is made up of Dionysus flanked by two ithyphallic (sexually aroused) satyrs. One side of the engraving shows an embracing couple tentatively identified as Hercules and Hylas (closeup of engraving has been enhanced for clarity).

Praeneste, 4th century BCE.
Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia,
Rome.

Identification courtesy of
Giovanni dall’Orto.

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