Leda sarcophagus from Beth She'arim
Type:
Sarcophagi
Date:
Second or third century CE
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Israel
Medium:
Marble
Description:
Excavations of the catacombs at the Jewish village of Beth She'arim uncovered many freestanding sarcophagi carved with figural scenes, among them this marble sarcophagus decorated with the narrative of Leda and the Swan. Wealthy Jewish patrons likely imported this sarcophagus, which differed from others in that it was not made from the local limestone. The patrons were evidently comfortable with the classical imagery of Zeus (in the guise of a swan) having sex with Leda, but its state of damage may reflect mixed reactions among Late Antique Jews to the polytheistic and very sexual motifs of this particular sarcophagus.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
1
Image Credits:
Linda Safran
