Relief with Prometheus and the creation of mankind

Excavated in 1783.
Date: 270-300 AD. W. 0.98, h. 0.68.

The fragment probably belongs to a sarcophagus. At the far right the bearded PROMETHE(u)S is sitting on a rock, next to which is a dog. He is shaping a small naked figure with the text MVLIER, woman. Above the two figures are an ASINVS and a TAVRV(s), a donkey and a bull. To the left is MERCVRIVS, making a inviting gesture towards the woman to his right and holding the arm of a winged girl to his left. The girl makes a dismissive (?) gesture. Next to her is the text ANIMA, soul. Her wings are those of a butterfly: the Greek word psyche, anima in Latin, can mean both soul and butterfly. In front of Mercurius and the girl are two small, naked male figures, one lying down, one standing. Both have the text SERYS, the name of a plant seen on the ground (Varro: "a herb called 'seris', because it turns green when it comes into contact with water, even though it is dry"). In the left part stand three female figures, the three Fates who determine life: [Clo]THO, LACHESIS and ATROPOS. Atropos is pointing at a sundial above the girl. In front of Lachesis is another small, naked male figure.

Prometheus is creating human beings. Two naked men on the left are finished and have a soul. A third one is lying down, also finished, but waiting for a soul. Prometheus is working on a woman. They are accompanied by three domestic animals.

Inv. nr. 638. Amelung II.3, 353, Taf. 66. CIL VI, 29808. EDR115775. Photo: EDR.