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Fragment of sarcophagus relief with the fall of Troy
Roman
Imperial Period
about A.D. 140
Medium/Technique
Marble, Dolomitic from the Greek island of Thasos
Dimensions
Overall: 28 x 19cm (11 x 7 1/2in.)
Weight: 35 lb. (15.88 kg)
Weight: 35 lb. (15.88 kg)
Credit Line
Harriet Otis Cruft Fund
Accession Number69.2
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 242; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 112 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe fragment, the Trojan Horse within the walls, is part of the left front end, near the corner, of the lid of a large sarcophagus with scenes from the Trojan Wars, particularly the capture of the city.
The bottom surface is finely finished; the top rear is roughly chiseled. Other edges are broken irregularly. The remaining sculptured surfaces are incrusted but otherwise legible.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Diffraction and determined to be Dolomitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI117a: Isotope ratios - delta13C +3.39 / delta18O -3.32, Attribution - Thasos-Cape Vathy, Justification - Dolomitic by XRD.
The bottom surface is finely finished; the top rear is roughly chiseled. Other edges are broken irregularly. The remaining sculptured surfaces are incrusted but otherwise legible.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Diffraction and determined to be Dolomitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI117a: Isotope ratios - delta13C +3.39 / delta18O -3.32, Attribution - Thasos-Cape Vathy, Justification - Dolomitic by XRD.
ProvenanceBy 1960: with Ars Antiqua AG, Haldenstrasse 5, Lucerne, Switzerland (Ars Antiqua auction 2, Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne, May 14, 1960, lot 60); by 1969: with Spink & Son, Ltd., 5, 6 & 7 King Street, St. James's, London, SW 1; purchased by MFA from Spink & Son, Ltd., January 8, 1969