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Source Image: PR305_03_03 of Garland Sarcophagus (15) of Aphrodisias: Sarcophagi

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Description

Front of a garland sarcophagus.

Monument
Aphrodisias: Sarcophagi 
Monument Part
Garland Sarcophagus (15) 
Monument Type
Sarcophagus 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
circa ad 120 - circa ad 250 
Keywords
PuttoGarlandRelief BustGarland Sarcophagus  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Aphrodisias 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drill holes are visible in the garlands and the foliage beneath the putti but not on the figures, either the putti or the busts.

Notes

This sarcophagus has three busts, two for women and one for a man, which have roughed-out portraits only. The reason for this is unclear but a number of hypotheses have been proposed. One option is that the commissioner intended to have them completed at a later date, perhaps after their death, but for some reason this never happened. Another option is that they purchased this sarcophagus already finished and did not want or could not afford to have the portraits done. Finally, this might have been a deliberate statement, reflecting a wider belief that it was not appropriate or respectful to have such portraits finished.

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