Abstract
The original purpose served by this curious panel of mosaic and marble (plate I), which is decorated with scenes from the life of Achilles, has not yet been determined, nor has any successful attempt been made either to date it or to assign it definitely to any school or centre of art. The mosaic which occupies the centre and corners is probably rightly attributed to the Cosmati, who made the ‘ambon’ in S. Maria in Ara Coeli, of which this panel formed a part. The circular band of marble, decorated in relief, is generally regarded as the top of a puteal or well-head although, as has been observed, it is hardly consistent with the practical sense of the Greeks and Romans to cover with decoration a surface of marble so liable to rough usage. More probably the band formed the border of a large shallow bowl, a possibility not considered heretofore owing to the difficulty of close examination arising out of its post-classical use.
Published Version
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