The Invitation to the Dance. An intertextual reassessment

With its original manifestation generally dated to c. 150 BC, the Invitation Dance is a textbook example of Hellenistic sculpture. But despite much scholarly attention there still no consensus as what motif sculpture group depicts. Inspired by intertextual theory, this study catalogues and re-examines 35 sculptures female figure 34 satyr. The article focuses on preserved sculptures, rather than reconstructed model image. Variations repeated forms are highlighted significant for interpretation types. reading thus put forward suggests that composition displays moment after satyr has pulled female’s garment down from her upper body. It furthermore emphasized both were at times—perhaps even predominately—displayed solitary figures. satyr’s foot-clapper suggested have been included primarily in instances where was displayed his own. Sculptures fending off —though not touching—an intrusive companion could paired with other Dionysian figures well, practice might be reflected show type compositions.