Fragment of a Sarcophagus with a Seated Figure

Art Historical Context

This exquisite marble fragment from a Roman sarcophagus, dating to around 250 AD offers a glimpse into the funerary art of the Late Roman Empire. Carved in high relief, it depicts a seated male figure, part of a larger narrative scene on the coffin lid or side. Sarcophagi like this were status symbols for the elite, replacing simpler cremation urns as burial customs shifted toward inhumation. The modest dimensions—11 x 9 13/16 x 2 3/16 inches—highlight its survival as a broken piece, acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1918. Crafted from fine marble, the scul...