Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, from Rome, Italy, c. 359. Marble, 3′ 10.5″ by 8′. Museo Storico del Tesoro della Basilica di San Pietro, Rome.

This sarcophagus belonged to Junius Bassus, a city prefect of Rome who became a Christian and was baptized before his death in 359. This is indicated by the scenes on his sarcophagus, as they are all scenes from the Old and New Testament and not of Bassus or his accomplishments. There are two registers, each with five compartments in the style of Asiatic sarcophagi.

I think this sarcophagus is beautiful because of the detail give to each scene and the significance of each scene. For example, Christ is in the middle compartment of both registers, and men such as Abraham and Daniel are depicted being saved by faith. The image shows a great deal of Roman imperial art, putting Christ in a grand throne and sitting over the personification of the sky god. It is interesting that the crucifixion does not make an appearance while Jesus standing before Pilate does. History has shown that the depiction of the crucifixion was rare in early Christian art. Christ’s divinity and teachings were often emphasized, and his suffering at the hands of Romans de-emphasized. Perhaps the Roman Christians felt shame for what the city did to their Lord. Either way, this sarcophagus is a beautiful piece of art and history.

Citations:

Gardner, Helen, Fred S. Kleiner, Christin J. Mamiya, and Richard G. Tansey. “Pagans, Christians, and Jews: The Art of Late Antiquity”Gardner’s Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective. 11th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003. 236. Print.