Roman sarcophagus in white marble carved with strigils and a - Lot 4

Roman sarcophagus in white marble carved with strigils and antique figures. Two carved stone pedestals are included. H_85 cm (with pedestals) W_207 cm D_52 cm Since Greek times, the strigile has been used to remove impurities from the skin of athletes and gladiators. The white marble sarcophagus is highlighted by the strigilation of the façade. The entire geometry starts from the center, where an almond fills the void from which the strigilatures begin to go left and right. On the sides are Venus (symbol of love) and Mars (symbol of strength). Below, two cupids extinguish the torches of life. The short sides feature military trophies, consisting of a large octagonal shield and two crossed axes. The style of the strigilatura and the figures suggest a date of the 3rd century AD. Provenance : - Villa Donati in Molinazzo di Monteggio, Switzerland - Private collection, Switzerland - Private collection, France Villa Donati is a late-19ᵉ century residence in Molinazzo di Monteggio, Switzerland. A property endowed with historical significance, it belonged to three generations of antique dealers, the Donati family: grandfather Ugo (1891-1967), father Pino (1915-2011) and his children (by whom all the furniture was subsequently sold). The strigilated sarcophagus belonged to the family, who used it as a planter.