Roman Empire, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. Heavy lead, rectangular sarcophagus panel, having cast relief decoration, the lower register supported by two columns, central winged female sphinx having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion and wings of a bird, surrounded by both grape and laurel leaf elements. Wide upper band having roped borders with a laurel branch with the face of Minerva near the center. Size: 9.5" W x 9.5" H (24.1 cm x 24.1 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Roman lead sarcophagi were unique to the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically Phoenicia. For similar lead sarcophagi, see pp. 143-148 in McCann, Roman Sarcophagi in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired at major auction house; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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#139653

Section of a larger sarcophagus, missing small area of bottom, two holes as shown, small stable crack on bottom right, minor scuffing else fine condition with images quite strong.