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The sarcophagus case (complete), 1866
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View of the showcase from above. SM M470.A. ©Sir John Soane's Museum, London. Photo: Prof. Andrzej Piotrowski
The sarcophagus case (complete), 1866
Brass frame with glass panels and metal plates
Museum number: M470.A
On display: Sepulchral Chamber
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
The Victorian case that now protects the sarcophagus was put in place in 1866. Prior to that the coffin was displayed without a case, as Soane had it, simply mounted on four fluted columns. The case, with its large wheels, comes apart in two sections. It was refurbished in 2007 and the thick Victorian glass, which had a strong greenish tint, was removed on safety grounds and replaced wtih clear safety glass. This has enhanced the viewing of the sarcophagus. The case is now a museum piece in its own right and it has protected the delicate sarcophagus - whose stone is easily scratched and which could also suffer water staining if the skylight above were to leak - very well for more than 150 years.
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk