Large Marble Fragment of a Season Sarcophagus

Culture: Roman

Period: Late 2nd to early 3rd century A.D.

Material: Marble

Dimensions: 42.5 cm x 60 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 3413

Provenance: From an old American collection, auctioned at Hindman auctions in October 2017. Thence in the English art market.

Condition: Unrestored

Description: Large, finely worked out marble relief of a sarcophagus with a four-line inscription and two cupids on the outside. The inscription reads: "Q. Lollius Lollianus vixit annis VII Menses V Dies V" (Translation: "Q. Lollius Lollianus lived seven years, five months and five days"). The finely crafted cupids with curly hair and capes stand in niches. The one on the left holds a duck in his right hand and leans on a spear in his left. He represents winter. His gaze is directed to the right to his counterpart autumn. The autumn cupid holds the hare in the left hand and leans on a spear in the right. The two other seasons were probably shown on the missing bottom. A touching fragment of wonderful quality. Mounted.