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Source Image: PR223_05_04 of Clipeus Sarcophagus (1) of Ostia: Miscellaneous Sarcophagi

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Description

Detail of the left end of the front of a sarcophagus from the Castello at Ostia.

Monument
Ostia: Miscellaneous Sarcophagi 
Monument Part
Clipeus Sarcophagus (1) 
Monument Type
Sarcophagus 
Material(s)
Marble (Visual identification)  
Date
ad 200 - ad 350 
Keywords
PuttoNike/VictoryRelief Sarcophagus  
Collections
Ostia Antica  

Location

Original Location
Ostia 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Medium
Description
The background around the figures has been roughly carving with the point chisel.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description
Sections of rough shaping with the point can be seen on the figures, notably in the folds of the righthand figure's drapery.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Medium
Description
The front surfaces of the figures are shaping with the flat chisel. The fact that only the front of these figures have been so carved shows that the carver was working from the front of the block inwards finishing the key details of the design as they went.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
The borders around the relief are flattened with the flat chisel. At what stage this was done in the process is unclear.

Notes

The relief on this sarcophagus is unfinished suggesting that it was rushed into use or perhaps abandoned because the customer not longer needed it.

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