Cinerary Urn of Nicanor
Artist
Roman
Datemid 1st century C.E.
Mediummarble
Dimensions35.6 x 33.6 x 27.3 cm (14 x 13 1/4 x 10 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1915.75
Label TextThe ashes of a deceased man named Nicanor were
kept in this urn which was placed in one of the many
niches that lined the walls of a tomb chamber called
a columbarium. The inscription reads:
“To the Sacred Shades of the Dead.
Cincia Trophime and Hermes made
and consecrated [this urn] for Nicanor,
worthy of commemoration.”
The inscription begins and ends with abbreviations
of stock phrases. D.M.S. stood for the dedication Dis Manibus Sacrum, and B.M for bene merenti.
Birds peck at the fruits hanging from the garland. The two horned heads of Jupiter Ammon at the front corners serve as protectors of the dead. The serpent in the mouth of the eagle in the pediment symbolizes the ascension of the spirit of the dead.
ProvenanceMuseum purchase from Alfredo Barsanti, Rome, ItalyOn View
On view
