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Marble anthropoid sarcophagus

last quarter of the 5th century BCE
Not on view
The sarcophagus consists of a hollowed lower box covered by a lid that slightly conveys the contours of the upper body and the legs. Earlier anthropoid sarcophagi represent the volumes of a body wrapped in a shroud. The only explicit human features here are the head of a woman, framed with curls, and the long locks disposed on her chest. This sarcophagus and the one nearby are among only four of this type found in Cyprus. It was introduced to the island by Phoenicians, who favored it between the fifth and third centuries B.C. in Phoenicia and the many regions that they colonized. Over two hundred are known today, most of them from Sidon.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble anthropoid sarcophagus
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: last quarter of the 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Graeco-Phoenician
  • Medium: Parian marble
  • Dimensions: 82 × 34 × 27 in., 2521 lb. (208.3 × 86.4 × 68.6 cm, 1143.5 kg)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2454
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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ca. 450–440 BCE
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Limestone sarcophagus, Limestone, Cypriot
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Limestone sarcophagus: the Amathus sarcophagus
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