Sarcophagus of Pomponia

Decorated with a marine thiasus, with the head of the psychopomp deity Oceanus presiding over the central area. The god’s face is serene and majestic, gazing forwards, his long locks morphing into ocean waves. He is accompanied by a sea griffin and ram on which Eros is riding. Two dolphins symbolise the joyous calm of the sea, leaping over the waves, indicating the route by which they will transport the dead girl’s soul to the Fortunate Isles, where she will live forever. The girl is Pomponia Agrippina, darling daughter of Pomponius Quirinus, who lived 6 years, 6 months and 23 days. The marine scenes on this sarcophagus illustrate a marvellous, heavenly realm filled with fantastic creatures under the protection of Oceanus, who also ensures the peace and safety of seafarers and the souls on their way to the Isles of the Blessed. All these details are carved in exquisite relief with great technical skill and care, as befits this beloved and widely used motif in Roman funerary art.