Esculturas romanas exentas y en relieve procedentes de Tarragona

Identifier:  TDX:4022

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4022

Authors:  Ruiz Rodríguez, Julio César

Abstract:
This doctoral thesis studies the Roman sculptures from Tarragona, both statues and reliefs. The central element of the research is the catalog. It presents the available data for each piece, accompanied by the corresponding photographs, a detailed description and a detailed iconographic, typological and stylistic study. It also serves to bring forward the discussion on specific sets. The research draws conclusions setting out the main results achieved and the sculptures in the urban landscape of Tarraco. The repertoire of the Roman sculptures of Tarraco, with over 650 known pieces, became the largest of the Iberian peninsula. About 400 specimens are known, with much more abundant mythological sculptures, usually in smaller format, than portraits. Among the latter are the portraits of members of the imperial families. Numerous iconic sculptures, of natural size and greater size, are also known. Most of the statues are in a very fragmented state. The reliefs are considerably less numerous. Sarcophagi and decorative reliefs are highlighted, among which a wide variety of types are documented. There is also an important group of reliefs destined for the iconographic program of the provincial forum, with direct references to the decoration of the Forum Augustum and other monuments. The Roman sculptures of Tarraco cover a chronological arch of about eight centuries, although in each period there is a preference for specific types, in relation to the historical evolution of the city. Since then, only the use of reliefs decorating sarcophagi, which become the only means of representation of the elites of the city, has been confirmed. In short, the Roman plastic of Tarragona reflects the importance of the ancient provincial capital of the province Hispania citerior, thus presenting a variety and quality in its sculptures comparable to that of other major cities in Spain and even Italy.