This artifact, a sarcophagus hewn from white marble and dating to approximately 230 AD during the Roman occupation of Greece, exemplifies the cultural blending of the period. The rectangular structure is roughly 2.5 meters long, 1.5 meters high, and 1.2 meters wide, and is adorned with carvings depicting the hunt of the Calydonian Boar, an important story from Greek myth.
The side panels feature several hunters in unique poses, their expressions depicting the excitement of the chase. The boar, a sacred creature in the myth, is pursued by the hunters, armed variably with spears, swords, or hands alone. The hero Meleager is central in the composition, depicted striking the boar in the climactic moment of the tale.
The front panel of the sarcophagus presents the aftermath of the hunt. Here, Meleager is shown giving the hide of the defeated boar to Atalanta, communicating themes of love and heroism that are typical of ancient mythology.
This carved work illustrates the fine skills of the artist through the accurate anatomical depiction of both human and animal figures. The figures are dynamic in posture, and their visual appeal is enhanced by careful placement within the composition. The work does not only depict a crowded scene but also carefully preserved open spaces, indicative of the aesthetic principles of the period.
One notable feature of this artifact is the gable-shaped pediments above the side panels, which are more commonly seen in architecture than in sarcophagi, demonstrating an adherence to traditional Greco-Roman design elements. These pediments serve as a counterpoint to the busy mythological scenes below them, adding to the overall gravitas that would be expected from a funerary artifact like this sarcophagus.
