A converts sarcophagus
The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a marble Early Christian sarcophagus used for the burial of Junius Bassus, who died in 359. It has been described as "probably the single most famous piece of early Christian relief sculpture.The sarcophagus was originally placed in or under Old St. Peter's Basilica, was rediscovered in 1597.Iconography:
its decorated on the three sides like the typical Roman manner.
divided into two registers of five compartments/niches, each compartments tells a different story from the Old and New Testaments.characteristically, the deceased does not appear on the coffin.
Christ as the ruler:
Christ has the pride of place and appears in the central compartments of each register as a teacher enthroned between his chief apostles, Saint Peters and Paul. (above)
and triumphantly entering Jerusalem on a donkey (below).
In all the three scenes where he appears Christ is a youthful, beardless figure with shortish hair (though longer than that of other figures), which is typical of Christian art at this period.
The sacrifice of Abraham:
the upper left niche depicts the sacrifice of Isaac offered to God by Abraham. The figure behind Abraham is the angel Gabriel. he is also depicted as a youthful figure. the hand of God depicted from the top and the knife of Abraham is now missing.
The sacrifice of Abraham:
the upper left niche depicts the sacrifice of Isaac offered to God by Abraham. The figure behind Abraham is the angel Gabriel. he is also depicted as a youthful figure. the hand of God depicted from the top and the knife of Abraham is now missing.
Original sin:
In th second niche from the left, Adam and Eve are shown covering their nakedness after the Fall of Man, which created the original sin and hence the need for Christ to be sacrificed for sins. Adam and Eve themselves made no sacrifices, but behind Eve is a lamb, and beside Adam a sheaf of wheat, referring to the sacrifices of their two sons, Cain and Abel.
Daniel the faithful:
Just to the right of the middle is Daniel in the lion's den,unscathed by the flanking lions, saved by his faith.
Christ and the Pilate:
The upper right two niches depict Christ being led before Pilate for judgement and ultimately to crucifixion.
Casting on the sides:
Putti the toddler human figures are harvesting grapes in the lower picture.
What i like?
i like the detailing of the sarcophagus and the importance the sculptor gave to a mere coffin.
each panel is depicting a different story yet they all seem to be connected.
