The Roman antiquities, t. 2, Plate XXIV. Columns with their capitals, architrave, frieze and cornice existing under the arches inside the Mausoleum of Constance. 1756

This engraving by Giovanni Battista Piranesi shows an ancient Roman sarcophagus, likely made from porphyry, a hard, purplish stone prized for imperial commissions. What's fascinating here is the labor involved. Extracting and carving porphyry was an incredibly difficult process, requiring specialized tools and highly skilled artisans. The deep relief carving seen here, with its intricate scenes of putti harvesting grapes, would have demanded countless hours of patient work. Piranesi's print doesn't just depict the object, it highlights the immense effort embedded within it, reflecting not only the wealth and power of the patron, but also the labor of the forgotten craftspeople who brought it into being. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate this sarcophagus not just as a relic of the Roman past, but as a testament to the enduring power of human skill and effort. It prompts us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and social class, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.