Sarcophagus

Panel from the front of a child's sarcophagus showing Cupids chariot-racing. The ends of the sarcophagus are 59.148.256 and 59.148.257. In the narrow panel there is an arrangement of cupids racing: the first one from the left, a standing Cupid in profile, standing on his chariot confidently, an amphora on the ground below the two galloping horses. On the background top there is a chest with two dolphins. The next plane shows two cupids on separate chariots, one looking back at the racer behind, bending his back and knees to accelerate the horses. Another cupid is on the same line and simlar speed but we can see only his profile, his wings are raised. His horse also has a raised head and its galloping legs are in good perspective compared to the horse of the foreground. An amphora lies on the ground below the galloping horses.The 4th cupid racer ahead of the middle two, looks back behind his back, knees bent. He is also lower to the previous two, his horses crouching on the ground, either looking exhausted, perhaps having terminated the race or about to start it. To the end right end of the sarcophagus and upper plane, there are more two more standing cupids, one in profile and turned to the right with his right hand raised, only his torso visible. His horse is also partially visible. Behind the horse there is a cupid looking to the standing one, driving the horse chariot. To the lower right end a kneeling cupid to the ground with wings closed. Hunting and racing scenes were common for Roman sarcophagi, commemorating the death of a young person or perhaps a race charioteer or part of a standardised style of decoration. Roman sarcophagi of this type were placed in mausolea against a wall or in a niche, and so were decorated on only the front and two sides.