Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A panel of a lead sarcophagus with a variety of relief motifs - an upper border of a curved vined with leaves above a scene of two human figures and what may be an altar between three Corinthian columns. These motifs were impressed into the lead using stamps. 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 dead in sarcophagi. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. In the western part of the Empire, which based on the leaf motif this panel probably came from, 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. Size: 21.4" W x 10.05" H (54.4 cm x 25.5 cm)

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA

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#138682

Piece is fragmentary, with a crack through its lower center and one end bent and torn. The other end is in nice condition, giving an idea of the form of the original panel. Encrustations and grey-white patina on surface.