SARCOPHAGUS FRONT WITH THE THREE GRACES, C. 140-150 CE. PALAZZO MATTEI DI GIOVE This sarcophagus front is incorporated into the wall decoration of the courtyard of the splendid palazzo Mattei di Giove. Its themes of love and beauty are a compliment to the deceased, a beloved wife. The Three Graces at centre are known in several versions as free-standing statues. The central Grace has turned her back to us and has her arms extended to embrace her two sisters against a knotted cloth background. Two little Erotes are helping the two side Graces with their toilette. To right and left are two winged couples, Cupid and Psyche, the latter with moth wings. The kissing couple at right resembles a little statue group from Ostia now in the Capitoline Museums. Two more Erotes at either end complete the relief. This sarcophagus is a carved poem to a lost woman of surpassing grace, much loved.
For #ValentinesDay2026 give her what she really wants: a #sarcophagus. After all, it's #SarcophagusSaturday. This unusual front shows the Three #Graces at centre, flanked by #Erotes and two couples of #Cupid and #Psyche, from c. 140-150 CE, in palazzo Mattei di Giove in #Rome. #AncientBluesky 🏺
