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Source Image: PR305_05_11 of Garland Sarcophagus (21) of Aphrodisias: Sarcophagi

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Description

Fragment of a garland sarcophagus.

Monument
Aphrodisias: Sarcophagi 
Monument Part
Garland Sarcophagus (21) 
Monument Type
Sarcophagus 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
circa ad 120 - circa ad 250 
Keywords
FigureNike/VictoryGarlandGarland Sarcophagus  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Aphrodisias 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Medium
Description
The garland and the areas around the figure to the right are worked with the point chisel.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Gentle
Description
The lower portion of the background is also flattened with the point chisel. Here this tool is being used much more finely than for the roughing-out out of the elements above.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Gentle
Description
A finer level of point chiselling can be seen in places on the figure to the right, in particular in the deeper folds of the drapery. This suggests an initial stage of rough shaping was carried out on this figure before flat chiselling.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Tooth Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
Finer work with the tooth chisel is visible on the flat surface above the garland.

5. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
The figure of Nike on the right has been roughly shaped following initial roughing-out with the flat chisel. The carver has worked from the front of the stone inwards, carving details as he goes, as shown by the rough point chiselled surfaces still visible in the deeper folds of the drapery.

Notes

The fact that the figure, and apparently also the medallion, on this fragment is more carved than the garland might indicate a division of labour between specialist figure- and decoration-carvers. This apparent division is noted on other Aphrodisian sarcophagi where the garlands are more finished than the figures.

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