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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.24
Title
Porfido Rosso (porphyry)
Other Titles
Former Title: Porfido Rosso (Unpolished Fragments)
Classification
Material Specimens
Work Type
material specimen
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/288123

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Stone
Technique
Cut
Dimensions
2 x 1.1 x 5.8 cm (13/16 x 7/16 x 2 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
George J. Pfeiffer and Rachel Hartwell Pfeiffer, Cambridge, MA (by 1905), gift; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (1905-1977), transfer; to the Fogg Museum, 1977.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Gift of Pfeiffer-Hartwell Collection
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.24
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Small fragment of porfido rosso, also known as porphyry. The color is deep reddish-purple, with white and black inclusions. The thickness of the sample is an even 1 cm throughout and there are traces of mortar on the back, suggesting this could be a tile for a floor or wall. The top surface is polished and smooth. All four edges are uneven.
Commentary
LIVE LIKE A ROMAN: DAILY LIFE OBJECT COLLECTION

Porfido Rosso is also known as porphyry which is a very hard, reddish-purple stone dotted with white specks. It originates in Egypt, which came under Roman control in 30 BCE after the defeat of Cleopatra by Octavian (Augustus).

Porphyry came to signify imperial command, as it was the choice stone of later emperors. Though its hardness made it difficult to work with, porphyry was often used in tombs, columns, and statues. The most well-known example of porphyry is the statue of the four tetrarchs commissioned by Diocletian.

[Jessica Pesce 8/5/2010]

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu