Greek
Garland Sarcophagus, about 250
Possibly Phrygian marble, 44.1 x 122.6 x 55.2 cm (17 3/8 x 48 1/4 x 21 3/4 in.)
This small sarcophagus is carved of white marble. We are given images of all four vertical sides of this rectangular object with slightly rounded corners around the empty interior space. Each side is decorated with looped garlands carved in high relief, which are formed by different kinds of fruit with leaves at the highest points of the loops. The sides rest on a low base with horizontal grooves as the only adornment. Each side has one to three faces derived from Roman theater masks carved in high relief and situated within the loops, and on the long sides also small nude figures in the center. Low- relief banner-like ribbons adorn the perimeters of each side and full-length high-relief bodies of standing, nude winged figures with animal-figures at their feet, curve around each vertical corner.
Courtyard
Commentary
Inside the Courtyard is perhaps the most poignant piece of funeral sculpture in the collection: a child's sarcophagus of about CE 250, decorated with garlands, which many interpret as a nod to Isabella's own son, Jackie, who died in early childhood. It stands at the very center of the Courtyard, at the foot of the Medusa mosaic. By positioning this small sarcophagus, the Farnese Sarcophagus, and the Islamic tombstone in and around the garden of the Courtyard, Gardner echoed the nineteenth-century invention of landscaped cemeteries with elaborately carved monuments and mausoleums that invoke ancient architectural styles.