Marble round altar with a frieze of animals and masks
Unknown Artist
1st century CE
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
h. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm); d. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
Classification
Stone Sculpture
Culture & Period
Roman · Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1926
Accession Number
26.60.71
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite marble round altar, crafted in the 1st century CE during Rome's Imperial period, stands as a testament to the everyday spirituality of ancient Roman life. Measuring just 7 3/16 inches high and inches in diameter, its compact size suggests it was likely used in domestic or garden setting for personal offerings to household gods or deities. The circular form, carved from fine marble, features a continuous frieze around its body adorned with lively animals and theatrical masks, evoking the vibrant world of Roman rituals and festivals. The fr's motifs—animals symbolizing sacrifice...