CIRCA EARLY 3RD CENTURY A.D.

For two similar sarcophagi, see no. 466 in C.A. Picón, et al., Art of the Classical World in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and fig. 20 in S. Walker, Memorials to the Roman Dead. Sarcophagi of this type - depicting two projecting lion heads with a ring-shaped handle clamped between their jaws against an elegant strigilated background – were produced in the city of Rome from imported Proconnesian marble from Asia Minor and then widely exported to other parts of Italy as well as to Gaul, Spain and North Africa. The two elements of the sarcophagus are a study in contrasts: as Picón, et al. observe (op. cit.), the “ferocious-looking lions’ heads stand out powerfully against the restrained, almost soothing effect of the undulating design on the front.”

The shape of the sarcophagus when complete took the form of a tub, or lenos, named for the vat used for treading grapes. An early 3rd century A.D. shipwreck that included lenoi sarcophagi was discovered off the coast of Italy at San Pietro near Taranto around 1965 (see p. 30 in Walker, op. cit.).