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!
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 65.148a–f, Dumbarton Oaks, BZ.1941.2, and Rijksmuseum Van Oudheden, B1902/2.1.
Provenance: private Naples, Florida, USA collection, acquired 1980s
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#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.