Sarcophagus of Adelphia

The iconography displayed has similarities to the layout of the Dogmatic and Junius Bassus sarcophagi, although the quality of to depictions is simplified.

The central medallion would represent a portrait of the couple, mentioned in the center of the lid by an epigraph arranged on three lines in a tabula ansata on a red background: Here lies Adelphia, famous woman, wife of Count Valerius.

Of note, the depictions of Moses and Jesus, and perhaps God in Eden, are unbearded, as opposed to the bearded Abraham.

In the upper lid are likely four episodes, two likely regarding the life of Mary on the left, and two depicting events surrounding the Nativity, including the three Magi following the star of Bethlehem.

According to recent studies, Valerius was the friend of St. Augustine cited in the Introduction of the De nuptiis et concupiscentia (“About marriage and lust”).