Crypt of Demeter description and photo - Crimea: Kerch (Topic)

Crypt of Demeter description and photo - Crimea: Kerch. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

This monument belongs to the samples of antique Bosporan painting dating back to the first century. Images of mythological figures can be seen on the walls of the crypt: Demeter is the patroness of agriculture, the goddess of fertility, Pluto is the patron saint of the world of the dead, Hermes is the patron saint of travelers, and the nymph Calypso. The painting was done in the floral style, which was most typical for Bosporan painting.

The crypt was discovered in Kerch in 1895. It looks like a room with a semi-cylindrical vault, almost square in shape (its length is 2.75 meters, width is 2.20 meters). The vault and walls (they are plastered) are painted. The vault is separated from the walls by a decorative cornice. The paints here are applied in such a way that the cornice is perceived as a sculptural relief. All walls do not differ in color from the color of plaster, imitations of masonry or cladding here, unlike the crypt of Anfesteria, we will not see. The niches in the walls are decorated with paintings with grape branches. To the right of the entrance is the figure of Calypso, a veil thrown over his head - a symbol of mourning. On the left side, Hermes is depicted, traditionally in sandals, in his hands he holds a caduceus - his wand. Calypso and Hermes in ancient mythology met the souls of the dead at the entrance to the underworld and escorted them further. It is no coincidence that they are at the entrance to the crypt.

A part of the wall above the entrance, a semicircular shape, called a lunette, is decorated with floral ornaments and images of various fruits (apples, pears, pomegranates). This was a symbol of the heavenly life, which one goes to after the death of the soul.

The lunette on the opposite wall is painted on a mythological theme. This depicts the abduction of the daughter of the goddess Demeter Persephone by Pluto. There are many leaves and petals on the free areas of the lunette.

Pluto is depicted standing in a chariot, holding the tiny figure of Persephone, more like a doll. The charioteer hovers in the air above the horses, holding a whip in one hand and the reins in the other. Pluto's appearance is stylized as an oriental type: lush hair, thick beard.

On the vaulted ceiling there is a lot of floral ornaments, images of fruits, birds that sit on numerous branches. A round medallion is placed in the central part of the vault. It is bordered with a wreath, and in the center is the image of Demeter on a bluish background. Her luxurious brown hair accentuates her stern expression and falls over her shoulders. A gold necklace adorns the neck, the visible chest and shoulders are covered with a blue tunic. There is sorrow in her eyes, her gaze is directed into the distance, in search of the kidnapped daughter. All these details highlight her emotional state.

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Topic: Crypt of Demeter description and photo - Crimea: Kerch.