Late Roman / Byzantine Marble Sarcophagus Panel

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Ancient / Ethnographic Around The World

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 12, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-03-12 10:00:00 2020-03-12 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Ancient / Ethnographic Around The World https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-ethnographic-around-the-world-4957
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• Lot Description
  Roman or Byzantine, late Imperial Period, ca. 5th to 7th century CE. A large section from a marble relief sarcophagus panel with beautiful floral and abstract geometric motifs. Featured is a relief roundel containing an eight-petaled flower surrounded by interlocking acanthus leaves. An identical roundel is partially repeated on one end of the panel. Between them - and repeated again in half-form on the other end of the panel - is a large acanthus leaf/flame motif. A thick carved border demarcates the exterior edge of the panel on three sides. Tomb decoration during this time period relied on abstract representations; in earlier pagan times mythological figures and scenes had been important parts of memorials. Here, symbolism was more important; the use of acanthus leaves, for example, came from the architect Callimachus, who was inspired by seeing the plant growing through the woven sides of a votive basket left at the grave of a young girl. Size: 1.4" L x 36.5" W x 18" H (3.6 cm x 92.7 cm x 45.7 cm)
  
  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 the deceased in sarcophagi. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and continued into the Byzantine period. In the western part of the Empire, 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. This panel probably came from the grave of an elite citizen.
  
  Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in October 2018; ex-private Montrose, California, USA collection; ex-private London, UK collection, acquired in the late 1960s
  
  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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  #149587

  Condition

  Loss to one corner and along the lower rim. Small area of repair on one of the floral bosses. Two grooves have been excavated from the lower edge. Small chips, nicks, and scratches on surface, but overall it is beautifully preserved with the motifs in very nice condition. Light deposits.
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