FRAGMENTS OF THE FRONT OF A ROMAN SARCOPHAGUS DEPICTING MARINE THIASOS
Roman Culture
FRONT OF A ROMAN SARCOPHAGUS DEPICTING MARINE THIASOS (RECONSTRUCTION)
Marble. Original seven fragments.
Total approximate dimensions of the front of the reconstructed box from drawing: Length: 213 cm. Height: 83 cm. Thickness: 10 cm.
Roman period. 3rd century A.D.
Origin
Medina Sidonia. Cádiz.
Description
Fragmented front of a Roman marble sarcophagus depicting a thiasos, or marine cortege, in relief. This refers to the voyage of the dead to the island of the Blessed. It was found in the gardens of the la Atalaya country estate in Jerez de la Frontera, although it was originally from the monastery of the Barefoot Franciscans of Medina-Sidonia, where it luckily appeared in the 17th century. Only seven fragments remain, but a drawing made in 1764 reveals the full decoration. The middle part would be occupied by a medallion representing the dead (imago clipeata) held by two icthyocentaurs. They are each accompanied by nereids whose lower halves are covered by a cloak. Their heads are also covered by a cloak, each held by winged erotes. At both ends (and without breaking the symmetry) there are two more pairs of nereids riding the icthyocentaurs. At the foot of the image are motifs of small boats featuring little boys or wingless erotes holding the oars.
Bibliography
- González Rodríguez, R. (2000). “Recuperación de diversos fragmentos del desaparecido sarcófago romano de la colección del Marqués de la Cañada”. Revista de Historia de Jerez6. CEHJ. Pp. 85-97.
- Beltrán, J.; García, M.A. y Rodríguez Oliva, P. (2006): Los sarcófagos romanos en Andalucía. Corpus Signorum Imperii Romani. Murcia, pp. 115-120.
