Roman Lead Sarcophagus Panel w/ Gorgoneion and Dolphins

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Ancient & Ethnographic From Around the World

By Artemis Gallery

Nov 5, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-11-05 10:00:00 2020-11-05 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Ancient & Ethnographic From Around the World https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-ethnographic-from-around-the-world-5916
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• Lot Description
  Roman, Holy Land / Phoenicia, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A remarkable lead sarcophagus panel executed in relief with crossing diagonal lines of a floral motif and a top border comprised of several laurel leaves with berries arranged in a straight line, flanked above and below by a braided rope design. The striations of floral decor divide up the body of the piece by forming pediment-esque sections filled with a Gorgoneion (head of a Gorgon) on the left and a Roman amphora between two dolphins on the right. This example is replete with symbolism. The leaves refer to actual garlands and flowers used to decorate tombs and altars. The gorgoneion has apotropaic functions as guardians of tombs and were used frequently in ancient homes to avert evil from entering. Size: 13.5" W x 10.75" H (34.3 cm x 27.3 cm)
  
  The dolphins, meanwhile, remind us of a powerful and popular 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 coffins to be made long before they died. Dolphins can also be a reference to the cult of Bacchus (equivalent to the Greek god Dionysus).
  
  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 coffins. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and between social stratums. While those of nobility would commission marble sarcophagi, the middle class would commission lead sarcophagi, such as this one. Lead sarcophagi were only made in Phoenicia, or the Eastern part of the empire, but were shipped west due to popularity.
  
  Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
  
  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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  #159572

  Condition

  Fragment of a larger program. Held together by bottom base. Fissure from upper left to bottom right, aperture to base, and smaller fissures at edges as shown. Expected fading to relief with nicks, chips, and scratches commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with rich patina and lovely earthen deposits throughout.
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