CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

This striking table leg is in the form of a mythical monster with raised wings defined by overlapping, curving feathers. The griffin has a fierce expression characterized by deep-set eyes and an open beak. An unusual feature for a trapezophorus is the inscription in Greek inscribed across its chest, reading: “Epictetus, official of public revenue, for (practical) use." Likely this would have originally been one of a pair, employed as a furniture support. For a similar example from Ostia, see no. 76 in M. De Nuccio and L. Ungaro, eds., I marmi colorati della Roma imperiale.