This magnificently sculpted large lion sarcophagus at Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California dates to A.D. 260-280. Some partially recut areas (as, for example, the portraits) have led scholars to doubt the authenticity of the entire sarcophagus. Many aspects of it, ranging from the ancient repair on the back rim to the iconography and the sophistication of the carving and overall composition, establish its authenticity and importance.
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Identifiers
Title: Lion Sarcophagus
Inventory no. 529-9-410
Collection: Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Characteristics
Format: Sarcophagus
Artist: unknown
Date: approximately 260-280 C.E.
Material: Proconnesian marble
Inscription (modern): Juliae et Cocceius
Dimensions: 1.012 m high (middle) x 2.346 m max. length (mid-height) x 0.969 m deep (middle)
Publication: Robert Cohon and R. Bruce North, “Fig Leaves, Photogrammetry, and a Third-Century Masterpiece Rediscovered at Hearst Castle,” Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome 65, 2020.
Paradata
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Photographer: R. Bruce North
Modeler: Mohamed Abdelaziz, R. Bruce North
Copyright 2020 by R. Bruce North. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2009-13. Last updated: January 28, 2021.
The Digital Sculpture Project is an activity of the Virtual World Heritage Laboratory.