The Amathus sarcophagus, arguably the single most important
object in the Cesnola Collection at the Metropolitan Museum, is
unique among ancient Cypriot sculptures in its monumentality, its
exceptionally high relief, and the preservation of its polychrome.
The primary scenes on the long sides of the sarcophagus depict
a procession of chariots escorted by attendants on horseback and
followed by foot soldiers. Most likely, the figure standing under
a parasol in the first chariot represents the deceased. His horses,
like the others, are richly caparisoned, but the wheels of his
chariot have fewer spokes. Splendidly embellished horses and
chariot poles are part of a long tradition on Cyprus, although
scholars have suggested that the prototypes for the chariot
procession on the Amathus sarcophagus may have been Graeco-Persian
reliefs.
One of the short sides of the sarcophagus originally was
decorated with four figures of the Egyptian god Bes. The cult of
Bes was especially popular at Amathus, primarily because of the
Phoenician presence in the city. The other short side of the
sarcophagus shows four standing figures of the Phoenician goddess
Astarte. Nude except for their ornate necklaces, the four figures
of the goddess hold their breasts in a pose that is well attested
in Cypriot terracotta sculpture from the sixth century B.C. The
temple of Astarte, located on the acropolis of Amathus, was one of
the most important sanctuaries on Cyprus. The depictions of Bes
and Astarte on this particular sarcophagus suggest the importance
of procreation to the deceased.
Most of the architectural moldings and the decorative details
on the sarcophagus, such as the carved palmettes and ivy leaves
that fill the four panels, are of eastern Greek origin. Other
floral motifs, such as the tree of life and a frieze of lotus
flowers and buds, had a long tradition in Cypriot vase painting
and other arts of the Archaic and later periods. The figural
panels are framed by a variety of vegetal ornaments, while the
gabled lid once featured a pair of sphinxes and a palmette at each
end. The thorough integration of Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and
Cypriot stylistic elements on the Amathus sarcophagus is
characteristic of Cypriot art and culture during the fifth century
B.C.
