Roman Cinerary Urn with War Trophies in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Cinerary urn with arms and war trophies
Roman, Julio-Claudian, 1st half of the 1st century A.D.
Marble; height: 14 1/4 (36.2 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Philodoroi Gifts, 2002 (2002.297) and Gift of Ariel Herrmann, 2002 (2002.568)

A recently acquired marble cinerary urn, or container for the ashes of a cremated body (Roman, Julio-Claudian, first half of the first century A.D.), is a singular example of Roman funerary art. The back and side panels are covered with trophies, weapons, and armor – subject matter more usually found on imperial monuments – carved in exquisite detail. Both the imagery and the quality of the carving suggest that it was a special commission, possibly for a high- ranking imperial officer. The work is missing the front and the lid. After the urn's acquisition, a separate joining fragment was donated to the Museum, and this piece has now been restored to the urn, completing the right rear corner.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/special/greek_roman/viewone.asp?item=23 and www.metmuseum.org/press_room/full_release.asp?prid={1BE9346C-DE1D-4184-8863-7BFB264E8656}