Marble sarcophagus fragment

myminifactory

The dramatic relief, once a key component of an enormous sarcophagus, dramatically illustrates the demise of Meleager, the renowned Greek hero celebrated for his courageous slaughter of the fearsome Calydonian boar. In other Roman sarcophagi, this very scene is often juxtaposed with that of the hunt itself, showcasing Meleager's triumphant spear thrust into the ferocious beast. Yet, in this case, the emphasis lies squarely on the dying hero as he is borne home amidst a sea of grief, surrounded by his anguished father and loyal companions. During the Renaissance, this scene evolved into the quintessential prototype for artistic renderings of the poignant Deposition of Christ. The panel, in its current state, incorporates 16th-century restorations that have helped preserve its historical significance.