The Sacrifice of Phrixus:
I found this fresco mosaic in two posts on Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, it was found in the ancient city of Lembes, in Batna (Algeria), and is on display at the Tazoult Museum, but I haven't been able to find a better photo or any information on the museum's website😭😭😭
This is absolutely marvellous, absolutely magnificent, and I have been thinking a lot about it, but first I will try to identify them:
Obviously, the one in the middle is Phrixos, with Athamas next to him, his guardian (if he had one) on the other side, the girl on the ground is Hele, the one behind Athamas is Ino (mainly because she is the one offering at the altar, giving meaning to the queen's religious role), the blurred figure could be a servant, behind on the right are the golden ram and Nephele. The one at the other end could be Hermes or Apollo, because it is traditional that Hermes gave Nephele the golden ram, but I don't know if what he is carrying is a bow (therefore Apollo?) or a lyre (Apollo and Hermes?) I DON'T KNOW.
I have titled it "The Sacrifice of Phrixus" and not "The Sacrifice of Phrixus and Helle" because only Phrixus is crowned with pearls, which could be understood as a ceremonial sacrificial ribbon. Instead, I believe that Helle is begging her father not to allow this sacrifice. I think this is a good headcanon. Much more importance is usually given to the fact that both were sacrificed together, but most written sources only refer to Phrixus (although both are valid), and I like this interpretation much better. Not because Ino loves Helle or has any kind of affection for her (although I don't deny it either), but because Helle would not be a problem for his plans to make his son the heir to the throne of Orchomenus.
I also find it absolutely brilliant that Phrixus lowers his head and seems to accept his fate, but I really think he is looking at Helle, crossing a straight line that goes directly to her eyes. The fact that he begs, clutching his father's knees, is part of the ritual or the Greek way of imploring a request, something I have always loved.
I don't rule out the possibility that Helle is offering to be sacrificed as well (I'll leave that open). The fact that she doesn't look worried is also somewhat suspicious, or maybe she knows what's going on or knows something (WHO KNOWS???)
Maybe the other one isn't even a tutor or his pedagogue, I don't know, it's just a guess.
The looks are important, or I think it's worth noting that they all maintain eye contact with each other (the tutor with Athamas and Phrixus with Helle, Nephele looks at Chrisomallos), but Ino is looking at Phrixus and the god is looking at Ino. Absolutely brilliant, Ino looks at her crime and the god looks at Ino's crime. This is undermined by not knowing who the central figure is looking at😬 who may be looking at anyone present, but I think is looking and Phrixus and also according to my theory, it could be one of Ino's subordinates and therefore an extension of herself, placed as the central figure (but that's just a wild guess).
Perhaps Helle is cross-eyed, and the eye that cannot see is watching the god pointing to her mother and the ram, which is why she does not seem concerned. That would amuse me greatly😁😁
I would love to get a better image so bad🥺🥺 also I'm in love with the borders themselves. GORGEOUS😎😎😎
