Marble cinerary chest with lid

Unknown

ca. 90–110 CE · Marble · Greek and Roman Art

The Latin inscription reads: "To the spirits of the dead. M. Domitius Primigenius made [this] for himself, his freedmen and freedwomen, and their descendants." Above is a scene in which the deceased, standing on a pedestal, making an offering to a female figure, perhaps Tellus (mother earth), who reclines on a couch bedecked with flowers. They are attended by two young servants, holding food and wine. The chest is in the form of a pedimental building, with flaming torches taking the place of columns at the corners.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 90–110 CE

Medium

Marble

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1927