Sarcophagus
of Junius Bassus
Marble. Fourth century.
Junius Bassus
was the prefect of Rome in 359. The front of the sarcophagus,
which was discovered in 1595 near the Confessio of the Vatican
Basilica, is divided into ten compartments. On the upper part:
the sacrifice of Abraham; St Peter between two soldiers; Christ
between Saints Peter and Paul; Christ being led as a prisoner,
and before Pontius Pilate. On the lower part: the patience of
Job; Adam and Eve; Christ's entrance into Jerusalem; Daniel in
the lion's den; St Paul being led to martyrdom. On the minor sides
there are putti harvesting grapes on the left, and putti reaping
on the right.
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A
few of the many items on display in the Treasury Museum
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