Production of sarcophagi
Sarcophagi were produced to the west of the Baths of Perseus. On the Pianabella, especially at a locality called Procoio, parts were found of unfinished coffins. Compartments can be distingushed that were to be finished by junior and senior artists. On a number of sarcophagi found in Ostia features have been recognized that are unique for this workshop, setting them apart from the sarcophagi made in the city of Rome.
One such feature is found on sarcophagi that are decorated with S-shaped motifs called strigiles: between the strigiles, at the top, are little "beads". Other examples are the use of little rosettes to fill spaces, long handles of tabulae ansatae, and torches that separate compartments. Depictions of a family banquet above a garland are unique for the workshop. Noteworthy is the indication of generations through signs of ageing of the faces.
Fragment of a sarcophagus with the depiction of a couple. Note the little rosettes.
Photo: ICCD F005961.There may have been several reasons why the workshop was located at the edge of the necropolis. More space would have been needed than was available in the centre of the city, both for the work and the display. Perhaps also the proximity to the tombs was regarded as being more appropriate. There will also have been practical reasons. The location made transport to the tombs easier. Finally, heavy marble blocks needed to be unloaded from ships using cranes and taken to the workshop. The unloading may have taken place on the quays of the Canale dello Stagno further to the south. That same specialized little harbour may have been the spot where cages with wild animals were unloaded, to be taken to a vivarium on the other side of the canal.
Fragment of a sarcophagus with the portrait of a woman. Note the torch to the left.
Photo: ICCD F005704.An Ostian provenance has been suggested for several sarcophagi in museums worldwide. The sarcophaghi were also exported: to Sardinia, Sicily, Spain and Africa. The export makes sense commercially: a return journey of an empty ship was pure loss. Also, ships returning to the provinces needed ballast to improve the safety of the ship.
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