Limestone fragment of a sarcophagus

Unknown

3rd century BCE · Limestone (not marble, as in Doell) · Greek and Roman Art

This piece once formed one of the long sides of a sarcophagus. The symmetrical decoration consists of two small bulls that flank two wreaths. At the upper corners of the panel a ring is carved in relief, imitating the handles of a chest. The style of the panel shows the influence of woodcarving. Stone funerary architecture often imitated wooden constructions, and this sarcophagus was probably based on a wooden prototype.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd century BCE

Medium

Limestone (not marble, as in Doell)

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76