Mithra et Porphyre. Quand sculpture et philosophie se rejoignent

In this article, a bas-relief from a Mithras temple in Osterburken and of early third century AC is considered in the light of a neoplalonist philosophical treatise of Porphyry, The Cave of Nymphs. The sculptor and the philosopher evoke by different means, similar philosophical and astronomical concept well known in their era. Furthermore, reading Porphyry’s treatise allows us to explain much of the complexity and apparent inconsistencies of the German bas-relief. We understand for instance why Mithras, a bull thief and mediating god, is represented as an intermediary between the Moon and the Wind Notos which is turned towards the above. This article also tries to show the internal iconographical logic of the bas-relief as well as the orphic influence that existed in the first scenes on the left pillar of the bas-relief.

Cited in

Monuments

• Tauroctony of Osterburken

Persons

• Mercatorius Castrensis