Roman
Cinerarium or Grave Altar, about 100
Pentelic marble, 78 x 62.5 x 47.5 cm (30 11/16 x 24 5/8 x 18 11/16 in.)
This Roman cinerarium is made of pentelic marble and dates from about 100 CE. Two rams’ heads, one at each edge near the upper corner, hold a flowing garland that drapes across the front and sides of this altar. In the center front is a framed area that is inscribed with the text “DISMANIBVS/ P CIARTILASI/ P CIABTIVS/ ALEXANDER/ FRATRICARISSIMO”. Below that is a carved scene of two figures. The larger figure is a reclining female nude with drapery covering her legs and an arm draped across her chest. At her feet, approaching with what appears to be an arrow is a winged, male nude. In the lower corners, each clinging to the garland, are two winged figures. The one on our left stands and looks down while the one on our right almost hovers with feet off the ground, leaning to our right and looking to our left. At the top is a scroll-like section that is adorned with a floral and vine motif.
Long Gallery
Commentary
Many sarcophagi and cinerary urns decorate the Gardner Museum. In this well-preserved example, two rams’ heads anchor a garland. Below the inscription Cupid approaches the sleeping Psyche, a subject which suggests that dead souls could be reawakened through love. This cinerarium was found near S. Paolo fuori le mura in Rome. Other grave markers found nearby indicate that the deceased was from a family of freed Greek slaves from Asia Minor.
Source: Eye of the Beholder, edited by Alan Chong et al. (Boston: ISGM and Beacon Press, 2003): 15.
Source: Eye of the Beholder, edited by Alan Chong et al. (Boston: ISGM and Beacon Press, 2003): 15.