Source Image: PR223_01_03 of Strigil Sarcophagus (1) of Ostia: Miscellaneous Sarcophagi

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Description

Detail of central panel of a strigil sarcophagus from Ostia.

Monument: Ostia: Miscellaneous Sarcophagi
Monument Part: Strigil Sarcophagus (1)
Monument Type: Sarcophagus
Material(s): Marble (Visual identification)
Date: ad 200 - ad 350
Keywords: Figure, Strigil Sarcophagus
Collections: Ostia Antica

Location

Original Location: Ostia

Evidence for working practices

1. - Toolmarks

Process: Flattening
Tool: Flat Chisel
Method: Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description: The flat border around the figured panel was carved with a flat chisel. This was done before work on the figured panel was started as is clear from those areas where the figured scene cuts into it - as along the left (behind the chair) and along the top (above the tree). This panel was probably left as a rough boss while the fine work on the frame was done.

1. - Toolmarks

Process: Fine shaping
Tool: Roundel
Method: Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description: The strigils are carved with a round-headed chisel. This work seems to have been done before any work on the figured panels began.

2. Toolmarks

Process: Rough shaping
Tool: Point
Method: Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Medium
Description: The basic forms of the figures in the panel were initially shaped with the point chisel, marks of which are visible between the figures where the background has not been carved any further.

3. Toolmarks

Process: Rough shaping
Tool: Flat Chisel
Method: Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description: The figures themselves are modelled roughly with the flat chisel.

4. Toolmarks

Process: Fine shaping
Tool: Flat Chisel
Method: Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description: Finer flat chiselling is visible on the face of this figure and certain other details, such as the leaves of the trees at the top. The carver was clearly working from the front of the block into the stone, carving both the general forms and their details as they went, switching between point and flat chisel. They did not, in other words, rough out the whole design all over before starting on the details. The background was saved till the end and in this example never done. This is typical of Roman carving, especially on sarcophagi.

Notes

The strigils on this example are finished while the figured panels are only roughly worked. This would seem to indicate that these two elements of the design were divided up, possibly between workers or even between locations. Sarcophagi with their strigils already applied have been found in the quarries.