Lid and end panels of a lead sarcophagus

Unknown

late 2nd–mid 3rd century CE · Lead · Greek and Roman Art

This coffin has been attributed to a workshop at Tyre on the grounds of its decorative elements and the fact that the two end panels have different designs—one a temple façade, and the other a star pattern of rosettes. The motifs were impressed into the lead with stamps, often used repeatedly. Although all of the sarcophagus (apart from its base) has survived, the lead is now too brittle and delicate to allow a complete reconstruction.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 2nd–mid 3rd century CE

Medium

Lead

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of The Kevorkian Foundation, 1965