Large Roman Lead Sarcophagus Section w/ Sphinx

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Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 10, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-05-10 10:00:00 2018-05-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-ethnographic-asian-ancient-art-3213
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• Lot Description
  Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A panel of a lead sarcophagus with a variety of motifs, the main one being a beautifully-rendered female sphinx. She sits between two spiral-shaped columns, surrounded by leaves and other floral motifs. She has a Classically-styled woman's face and upper body. Her head is tilted to one side, her body seated with her forelegs out in front and her lower legs curled underneath her. Her wings curl over her back, at rest. A border of abstract flowering plants runs along the top of the panel. To the right (facing) of the sphinx is the head of another mythological creature - perhaps some kind of sacred bull, given what appear to be two large horns. These motifs were impressed into the lead using stamps. Although the Great Sphinx of Giza is certainly the most famous, sphinxes have a large place in Classical mythology as well - probably because of the intermixing of Egyptian and Classical culture via trade routes across the Mediterranean. Size: 22.5" W x 16.75" H (57.2 cm x 42.5 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, they began to place their deceased in sarcophagi. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. In the western part of the Empire, which this panel probably came from judging from the leaf motif, sarcophagi were placed inside a mausoleum against a wall or in a niche; so the only decorated panels were on the front and the short sides. The leaf motif refers to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. Mythological scenes, as shown here, were also common for elite coffins in the western Empire. This panel probably came from the grave of an elite Roman citizen.
  
  Provenance: ex-private New York, New York, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  #133670

  Condition

  Piece is a fragment as shown, with losses at the edges, which are bent in some places. Nice deposits on surface.
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