Source Image: PR223_01_07 of Strigil Sarcophagus (1) of Ostia: Miscellaneous Sarcophagi

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Description

Detail of the left 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.

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.

1. - Toolmarks

Process: Outlining
Tool: Flat Chisel
Method: Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description: The lines incised on the surface around the strigil panels, which cross at the corner, were also apparently laid out before work on the side panel began.

2. Toolmarks

Process: Rough shaping
Tool: Point
Method: Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Medium
Description: The basic forms of the figure in the panel were initially shaped with the point chisel, marks of which are visible 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 figure is 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. 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.