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
Intended as a vessel to hold the remains of the deceased, this cinerary urn is decorated with a motif of a sleeping Ariadne being approached by Eros—a narrative associated with death and awakening. An intact inscription on the front of the urn indicates that it was dedicated to Publius Ciartius Lasus Propontis by his brother Publius Ciartius Alexander, members of a family of Greek freedmen from either Thrace or Asia Minor.
This cinerary urn, along with a second (S27e29), were purchased from a dealer in Rome in 1901. The vessels became additions to the growing collection of ancient sculpture in Isabella’s collection sourced by her friend, American art historian and archaeologist, Richard Norton.