A ROMAN LEAD SARCOPHAGUS FRAGMENT

CIRCA MID 2ND-LATE 3RD CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN LEAD SARCOPHAGUS FRAGMENT
circa mid 2nd-late 3rd century a.d.
Of columnar type, preserving one bay enclosed by spiral-fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, with a sphinx seated in profile on a molded plinth, the head turned frontal, the surrounding field filled with kraters and grape leaves with looped stems, the frieze above with similar kraters issuing vines, grapes and tendrils
9 in. (24.8 cm) high

Provenance

Sasson Ancient Art

Lot Essay

Roman lead sarcophagi were unique to the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Phoenicia. The columnar type was produced in a workshop of Southern Phoenicia prolific during the 2nd-4th centuries A.D. For similar lead sarcophagi, see p. 143-148 in McCann, Roman Sarcophagi in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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