Antique Plaster Roman Style Mask of Tragedy Bas-Relief Mask

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Academic Plaster Cast: Mask of Tragedy

Roman Theatre Bas-Relief Wall Sculpture

Dimensions: 13.5” H (34.3 cm) x 12” W (30.5 … Read more Academic Plaster Cast: Mask of Tragedy

Roman Theatre Bas-Relief Wall Sculpture

Dimensions: 13.5” H (34.3 cm) x 12” W (30.5 cm) x 3.5” D (8.9 cm)

Provenance: Early 20th Century Artisan Reproduction

Condition Note: Restored crack along the left hand side of the sculpture. Unsigned. Mounting hook affixed to verso.

Description:

This plaster cast reproduces the iconic mask of the Ancient Roman Mask of Tragedy, a powerful symbol drawn directly from the classical stage. The mask features the archetypal exaggerated expression of pathos—characterized by wide eyes and an open mouth.

Crafted for display as a wall-mounted bas-relief, the piece includes an integrated hook en verso. Due to its sculptural form and weight, it is not free-standing and requires wall mounting or a dedicated display easel for presentation.

A Brief History of the Mask of Tragedy

The masks of tragedy and comedy are enduring icons of classical theatre, originating in Ancient Greece around the 5th century BCE. These masks, known as personae, were not merely decorative but fundamental to performance. They functioned as sophisticated acoustic devices, amplifying the actor's voice, and allowed a small troupe to portray multiple characters by simply changing their prosopon (face).

The Mask of Tragedy, specifically, is linked to the worship of Dionysus and the performance of lofty, often somber dramas by playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Its distorted features of pain and awe—the onkos (lofty headdress), wide eyes, and gaping mouth (*chelos*)—served to embody the emotional extremity and moral gravitas of the genre, representing heroes in the midst of profound suffering and catharsis.

While Greek masks were likely made of organic materials like linen, wood, or cork, the Roman adaptation—exemplified by this reproduction—favorited more permanent materials like bronze and terracotta for decorative and votive purposes, preserving the powerful theatrical image for posterity. See less