Versatilità delle immagini del mito. L’impiego di schemi iconografici nella Licia di IV sec. a.C.

The paper addresses the theme "Zum Bild das Wort" by exploring the use of mythological images in art of the Eastern Mediterranean before the Hellenistic period. Special attention is devoted to Lycia, a region in southwest Anatolia characterised by a peculiar artistic language between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. This region was highly receptive to external cultural trends. In particular, Greek culture and art were very influential, especially in the 4th century BC when mythological images played an important role in the decoration of dynastic and elite tombs. Moving from case studies of Bellerophon and the Chimera, to another of Caeneus, the paper explores the changing use of iconographic schemes in Lycia and specific visual choices used to convey local messages. Moreover, it sheds light on Lycia's place in the broader cultural and artistic horizon of the Eastern Mediterranean.