Vatican Museums

Entitled “Early Christian Roman sarcophagi: new studies, new approaches”, two Study Days, organised by the Vatican Museums in collaboration with the German Archaeological Institute of Rome, will offer an important opportunity for scholars of Christian antiquities to meet and discuss the theme of early Christian sarcophagi. The initiative aims to take a fresh look at the production dynamics that involved patrons and workshops between the second half of the third century and the beginning of the fifth century, a decisive period for the birth and consolidation of Christian Rome.
The study sessions will take place on 6 and 7 November: the first entirely at the German Archaeological Institute, the second divided between the morning at the same location and the afternoon at the Vatican Museums.

Five years have now passed since the completion of the important editorial project “Repertorium der christlich-antiken Sarkophage”, edited by the German Archaeological Institute, and over twenty years since the publication of the last thematic day dedicated to late-antique, early Christian and early Medieval sarcophagi. During this period, new restoration work has been carried out, innovative systems of analysis and three-dimensional documentation have been developed, and important archival data has emerged. More generally, a renewed sensitivity has emerged, which enables the study of sarcophagi to be confronted from a purely archaeological perspective, no longer limited to decorative aspects.

The initiative is intended to relaunch international scientific debate, inviting experts in the sector to participate in a workshop aimed at updating and advancing research on the subject.
During the two days, tribute will also be paid to two prominent scholars in the field of Christian antiquities: Hugo Brandenburg, the great German archaeologist who recently passed away, and Enrico Josi, the fiftieth anniversary of whose death falls in 2025. Enrico Josi, in particular, was the long-time director of the Lateran Museums and oversaw their transfer and reorganisation in the Vatican between the 1960s and 1970s.

At the end of the proceedings on 7 November, there will be a visit to the Pius-Christian to share the latest findings from recent investigations and restorations.