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The roman sarcophagus

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• Upper Floor: Lounges >
• The roman sarcophagus

Family burials were carried out in one marble block cut in three (of the four) sides. It was found in Córdoba in the Huerta de San Rafael del Brillante (Saint Raphael's Garden).
The Roman sarcophagus is a work of great beauty and quality. It dates from the 3rd Century.
The main design on its surface depicts the gates of the underworld or afterlife.
Its fig leaves appear half-opened and they are decorated with ram and lion heads symbolising strength and the energy. Two columns with capitals are supporting the close pediment. Two-faced peacocks are represented in it, representing eternity.
The philosophy behind the collection of sculptures alludes to a search for eternity. Once the visitor goes through the door, there are two groups: on the right, the owner or the head of the family. He is depicted wearing a toga, Roman sandals on his feet and he is holding a sealed letter in his hand, signifying that he was a lawyer. He appears with a philosopher, teacher or pedagogue, who acts as a mentor.
To his left, the lawyer’s wife is wearing a toga and she has an elaborate, wavy hairstyle. There is also a labour basket at her feet with a dove perched on it as a symbol of the dedication to her home and of her purity. One can also see a sealed letter in her hand just like the feminine figure which accompanies her.
In the corner there are fluted columns with acanthus capitals which give way to its sides, also carried out in high relief. Both feature Pegasus; a mythological winged horse which was born of the blood of Medusa when she was decapitated by Perseus. At their feet, there is a panther in a running motion. These are Dionysian symbols of the speed and the strength which should be used in bringing the owners of the luxurious funeral mansion to the afterlife.
It is a work of superior quality and great beauty, from which one can see that the person who crated it was a brilliant sculptor.