Sarcophagus with prediction of Peter's denial
Photogallery
Sarcophagus with prediction of Peter's denial
This sarcophagus (c. 310-320), found at "Quarto Miglio" (Via Appia Pignatelli), contained the skeleton of a woman. The chest is decorated with two strigilated panels, bordered with richly decorated frames in an architectural style. The central frame is dedicated to a representation of the scene of Christ predicting Peter's denial following the arrest of the Master and before the cockerel crows. To make the reference clear, this animal is represented at the bottom of the image, between the two protagonists, and there is a small tree in the background. A number of images are depicted on the lid, from left: Adam and Eve, at the sides of the tree around which the snake is coiled; an unfinished portrait of the deceased; the plaque that would have contained the inscription, unrealised, and supported at the sides by two cupids; and finally, episodes from the Jonah cycle.