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Unknown Maker, Roman

Sarcophagus (coffin)

Description

Maker

Unknown Maker, Roman

Culture

Roman

Title

Sarcophagus (coffin)
Pamphylian Sarcophagus

Period

Ancient

Year

2nd century CE

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

marble

Geography

Origin: Dokimeion, modern Afyon, Turkey

Dimensions

Trough: 85.5 x 233.1 x 107.7 cm (33 11/16 x 91 3/4 x 42 3/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Appropriation Fund

Object Number

21.074

Type

Projects & Publications

Publications

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Weiss Ancient Art Gallery
Sep 22, 2010
Ancient Greek and Roman Galleries
Sep 22, 2010

Label copy

(Front) This is one of only a few sarcophagi bearing scenes of the Trojan War (thought to have occurred in the 13th or 12th century BCE). On the left the Greek hero Achilles fights the bearded Trojan prince Hector. To the right is a scene that follows their battle: Achilles in his chariot drags Hector’s dead body around the walls of Troy, while the goddess Athena (the backer of Achilles), Hector’s father, King Priam, and Hector’s wife, Andromache (seated), watch. These scenes occur in Book 22 of The Iliad, the epic poem about the Trojan War ascribed to the Greek poet Homer (8th century BCE).

(Back) The decorative elements of a sarcophagus were often chosen for their symbolic value, and used to communicate the personal attributes and values of the deceased. Battle and hunt scenes, like those featured on this sarcophagus, emphasize the deceased’s courage and virility. On this side, three cupids are shown spearing a lion and lioness with the assistance of three dogs.

(Right Short Side) While this sarcophagus cannot be attributed to a specific artist, the structural details of its form and decoration suggest that it may have been carved by an Asiatic workshop. As the funerary art of Asia Minor often emphasized the personality of the deceased by representing him either in glorious action or with noble attributes, the short sides of this sarcophagus can be interpreted as honorific scenes of personal culture and bravery. Here, two youths face each other from either side of a rectangular pillar; the youth on the right receives a lyre with one hand. By alluding to his cultural sophistication and intellect, this scene communicates the social status of the deceased.

(Left Short Side) It was common for sarcophagi produced within a workshop to have been carved by several artists, each with their own technique and style. These variations often result in a disconnected iconography that is difficult to interpret, as in the case with the short sides of this sarcophagus. On this side a male figure is thrown to the ground by a lioness or panther while a second male figure, perhaps the deceased, hoists a large rock above his head, ready to attack the beast. As similar imagery has been found in hunt scenes, this panel could be loosely connected to the hunt depicted on the back of this sarcophagus. It is more likely, however, that this scene was created as an independent portrayal of the deceased’s bravery and loyalty.

Related Publications

Related Publications

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Roman
Sarcophagus (coffin); Pamphylian Sarcophagus, 2nd century CE
Marble (from Dokimeion)
Trough: 85.5 x 233.1 x 107.7 cm (33 11/16 x 91 3/4 x 42 3/8 inches)
Museum Appropriation Fund 21.074

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