Sarcophagus of the Annona (or S. with a couple and personifications)

myminifactory

The Sarcophagus of Annona is a stunning work from the III century (c. 280 AD) that now resides at the National Roman Museum in Palazzo Massimo. This magnificent piece measures 0.85 meters high and boasts a popular style with symbolic depictions of trade and grain distribution. The front of the sarcophagus features eight relief figures set against a backdrop of a parapetasma (curtain). At its center, two spouses celebrate their dextrarum iunctio above a small altar, with the woman's hairstyle modeled after Ulpy Severina or Magnia Urbica. Behind them stands Juno Pronuba, while the male figure resembles a Genius Senatus. Flanking the central group are two symmetrical sets of figures: on the left, Porto personified holds a lighthouse and waves, accompanied by a figure wearing an Ostian muralis crown; on the right, Fortune Annonaria or Abundantia is depicted with a cornucopia, while Africa personified carries ears of grain and elephants. These symbolic figures allude to the grain trade and distribution, highlighting the spouse's role as praefectus annonae (perhaps under Aureliano, Flavio Arabiano). The style evokes that of the previous twenty years, with a focus on gallianic classicism, yet employs more pronounced drillwork and chiaroscuro effects, resulting in chunky bodies and squared heads. This relief stands out for its poignant portrayal of the couple in the center, reflecting the climate of anguish during the 3rd century's crisis.