A Roman Marble Sarcophagus Fragment Length 21 1/2 inches.

CIRCA 2ND CENTURY C.E.

from a large figural sarcophagus, with a male figure in high relief, nude but for a chlamys draped high on his chest, likely a hero or deity, standing in contrapposto with his weight leaning into his right hip, his left knee bent, his companion horse behind him, its body in low relief with its tail to the left, its foreparts in high relief to the right.

Length 21 1/2 inches.

Provenance: Acquired from Bruce and Ingrid McAlpine Ancient Art, London, July 22, 1986 Note: The Romans began to practice inhumation widely in the 2nd century C.E., replacing cremation as the most popular funerary practice. Almost immediately, the wealthiest citizens began to fashion majestic coffins in marble known as sarcophagi ("flesh eater" in Greek). Some of the empire's greatest artisans fed this new demand by carving elaborate examples with various subject-matter including popular mythology. Although the context of the present figure has been lost, with its original attributes and surrounding figures it undoubtedly would have immediately been recognized by the ancient patron and mourners, possibly elevating the deceased to the status of the famed hero illustrated.

Repaired from two large fragments with some fill and losses in the breaks. Extensive root marks throughout. Losses include to both feet, the top of his body from mid shoulder up, the head of the horse, the right leg of the horse, the left lower leg of the horse, portions of the horse's tail. Some chips and minor losses throughout. The edges rough. Surface wear and abrasions throughout.

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Worldly Pursuits:Estate of Steve & Peggy Fossett

A Roman Marble Sarcophagus Fragment Length 21 1/2 inches.

CIRCA 2ND CENTURY C.E.

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