Lot 31A
Roman, Holy Land / Phoenicia, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A remarkable rectangular segment from the end of a lead sarcophagus executed in relief with images encoded by its makers with deep meaning about how Romans memorialized their dead. Four braided rope motifs form a border around a central temple equipped with two Corinthian columns topped with a triangular pediment and laurel leaf decorated cornice and raking cornice. The field is embellished in a symmetrical design, featuring a Gorgoneion (head of a gorgon) flanked above and below by a group of trifoliate laurel leaves pointed upwards between the two columns and a dolphin with laurel leaves pointing upward below and leaves pointing inward above on either side. A lone laurel leaf lies above the pediment on both sides, parallel to its slope, while three Roman masks decorate the area below the braided border. Gorgoneions were significant symbols in Roman decorative arts as they were intended to guard an area, in this case a tomb, from evil; an apotropaic meaning they inherited from the Graeco-Hellenistic world. A stunning piece of funerary art, rich with artistic skill and iconographic meaning. Size: 19.75" L x 15.25" W (50.2 cm x 38.7 cm)
Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, they became inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, and they began to make coffins. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and between social strata. While those of nobility would commission marble sarcophagi, the middle class would commission less expensive lead sarcophagi, such as this one. Lead sarcophagi were only made in the Phoenicia or the Eastern part of the empire, but were shipped west due to popularity.
This example is replete with symbolism. The leaves refer to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. The dolphins, meanwhile, remind us of a powerful and popular motif in Roman artwork. The Romans were largely a maritime empire, and the iconography of the sea included dolphins. Romans believed these animals carried souls to the Fortunate Isles, perhaps because they could pass through the air-breathing terrestrial world and into the watery depths that claimed so many Roman sailors' lives. This symbol must have had personal significance for the deceased, who often ordered coffins to be made long before they died.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities; ex-private East Coast collection,New York, USA, aquired 1980s
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#159193
- Condition: Missing right corner and small nicks/chips and to edges. Softening of relief, especially on Gorgoneion, and some minor dents in surface, commensurate with age. Intact and excellent, with rich patina and lovely earthen deposits throughout.
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