Marble sarcophagus with the myth of Selene and Endymion
Artwork Details
- Title: Marble sarcophagus with the myth of Selene and Endymion
- Period: Severan
- Date: early 3rd century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: H. 28 1/2 in. (72.39 cm)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.100.4a, b
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
Audio
1247. Marble sarcophagus with the myth of Selene and Endymion, Part 1
[MUSIC PLAYS]
Writhing bodies, foreshortened views, and daring undercutting—this sarcophagus represents the peak of Severan sculpture, in the early third century A.D. Endymion, who lies at the right, has been granted eternal youth and also eternal sleep. Behind him a winged figure pours a sleeping potion over him.
An inscription at the center of the lid tells us that this sarcophagus was dedicated to a woman named Arria, who lived fifty years and ten months. Arria’s matronly portrait is carved just to the right of this inscription. It also says that Arria’s daughter was the one who dedicated it. For her mother, she chose a sumptuously carved sarcophagus that depicts a Greek myth of fulfillment through unending sleep.
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