Sculpture on the Stage: from Satyric Drama to Siphnean Treasury

Examined as a whole, the eastern and northern frieze of the Siphnean Treasury in Delphi display a particular linguistic code, which mixes the solemnity of epic poetry with features from comedy and satyr drama. This artistic code poses the visual equivalent to certain contemporary developments in dramatic and poetic genres in Athens. In particular, must be recalled satyr drama, which evolved from traditional and anonymous composition into a more sophisticated poetic genre and became an essential element of the calendar of the Great Dionysia.