Latin picture sources - Picture 3 Flashcards
What does the inscription say?
The inscription reads: ‘Vitalis, freedman and Private Secretary of the Emperor, to Vernasia Cyclas, his most excellent wife; she lived for twenty-seven years.’
What do the letters FAP between the two figures signify?
In the relief: The letters ‘FAP’ that appear between the two figures signify Fidelissimae Amantissimae Pientissimae ‘To this most faithful, loving and devoted woman.’
Where is this relief from?
This relief is from a cremation chest made by a husband for his wife.
Why was it likely the man depicted was older than his wife?
She lived for only twenty-seven years, so it is likely that her husband, as a freedman of the Emperor, was older.
What does the central panel depict?
The central panel depicts the couple’s marriage ceremony.
What is the use of the two burning torches flanking this central panel?
It is flanked on the left and right-hand sides by two burning torches – a reference to the torches used during the marriage ceremony to invoke the goddess of fertility, Ceres.
What does this inscription tell us about how the husband views the deceased spouse and how society at the time viewed women?
The wording is standardized, praising the expected characteristics of the ideal wife. The only aspect of her life that her husband wishes to commemorate is her role as his wife; she needs no further praise than that, for, in her husband’s eyes and those of the world, this was her most important function.
Among the Romans, what was a more common way of disposal of a dead body: cremation or burial?
Cremation was a more common way of disposal of a dead body.
What would family tombs be filled with (and what would these objects contain)?
Family tombs would be filled with small urns or cremation chests containing the ashes of beloved family members.
