Limestone fragment of a sarcophagus
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Limestone fragment of a sarcophagus
- Period: Hellenistic
- Date: 3rd century BCE
- Culture: Cypriot
- Medium: Limestone (not marble, as in Doell)
- Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 18 × 69 × 2 15/16 in., 134 lb. (45.7 × 175.3 × 7.5 cm)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.2491
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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