Rare / Large Roman Lead Domed Sarcophagus Lid

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Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 9, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-03-09 10:00:00 2023-03-09 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
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• Lot Description
  **Originally Listed At $9500**
  
  
  
  *This item may be oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
  
  Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. How exciting! An astonishing lead sarcophagus lid in a rare, nearly complete form! Almost 6 feet in length, this massive casket cover boasts a rectangular form with a convex face saturated in relief decoration of traditional Roman iconography. Meticulously rendered, the decorative program features sinuous vines of ivy leaves that meander across the central channel, crisscrossing in 3 places to divide the plane into rhomboid quadrants. A symmetrical floral motif formed from 12 laurel leaves embellishes 3 of the main quadrants, while 6 sections are instead each filled with the adorable image of a diving dolphin holding an ivy leaf in its mouth. Modern metal frame included. Size: 67.4" L x 15.8" W (171.2 cm x 40.1 cm)
  
  This is all framed by additional decoration with the 2 longer peripheries each featuring a row of a repeated laurel branch motif inspired by the actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars, framed by 2 finely delineated borders of cable molding or ropework - perhaps a stylized memory of ropes intended to tie up the coffin. These lovely cable moldings additionally line the shorter peripheries, in effect acting as frames to the central decorative program.
  
  Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, they became inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, and they began to make lead coffins. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. In the western part - where this panel likely came from, based on the leaf motif - sarcophagi were placed inside a mausoleum against a wall or in a niche. The leaves refer to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. The dolphins, meanwhile, remind us of a powerful and common motif in Roman artwork. The Romans were largely a maritime empire, and the iconography of the sea included dolphins. Romans believed these animals carried souls to the Fortunate Isles, perhaps because they could pass through the air-breathing terrestrial world and into the watery depths that claimed so many Roman sailors' lives. This symbol must have had personal significance for the deceased, who often ordered lead coffins to be made long before they died - the process of making them required such a long time that they could not be rushed!
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Provenance: private Naples, Florida, USA collection, acquired 1980s
  
  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.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #168909

  Condition

  Losses to upper right corner. Right end repaired from a few pieces with break lines visible and several stable fissures. Minor stable fissure to center and a few more to left side. Expected nicks and abrasions as well as some light softening of detail, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with rich patina. Modern metal frame secured to back and peripheries accompanies lid for mounting and framing purposes.
• Shipping Info

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