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Santa Costanza: Sarcophagus of Helena: Peacock

Sarcophagus of Helena: Peacock

Detail of a peacock on the original porphyry sarcophagus of Helena, Constantine's daughter, on display in the Pio Clementine Museum in the Vatican Museums. It was moved here from Santa Costanza in the late 18th century. The sarcophagus, which is decorated with traditional pagan themes, dates from around 361 and was probably commissioned by her husband, Emperor Julian the Apostate.

Credit: Holly Hayes