Sarcophagus “with trees” of the Anástasis type

Photogallery

Sarcophagus “with trees” of the Anástasis type
Sarcophagus “with trees” of the Anástasis type
“Column” sarcophagi

This sarcophagus (c. 340-350) probably originates from the primitive St. Paul’s Basilica, built by the Emperor Constantine (306-337) over the tomb of the Apostle along the Via Ostiense. The peculiar type of sarcophagus “with trees” refers to the practice of dividing the scenes on the front of the chest with trees, a variant of the more common architectural background: the rich foliage contributes to the decorative effect, populating it with birds nesting or pecking at fruit. At the centre there is an image of the cross surmounted with a monogram of Christ, symbol of resurrection, also alluded to by the two astonished soldiers guarding the sepulchre at the bottom (Cf. Mt 28, 4). Various scenes are depicted around the tomb, all alluding to the Passion: at the edges there are Cain and Abel, who present their offerings to God and the sufferings of Job; at the sides of the Anástasis there are the scenes of the arrest of Peter and the martyrdom of Paul.