Borrowed Verse and Broken Narrative: Agency, Identity, and the (Bethesda) Sarcophagus of Bassa (Chapter 10)

A rare, fourth-century sarcophagus attributed to Bassa, discovered in the Catacomb of Praetextatus near Rome's Appian Way, challenges traditional classifications by representing a unique example of the Bethesda type. Unlike other known sarcophagi of this group, which consistently depict five New Testament scenes—including Jesus healing a paralytic at Bethesda’s pool—Bassa’s sarcophagus exhibits deviations in narrative and artistic execution, suggesting individual agency or regional variations in craftsmanship. The study reconstructs the sarcophagus from over thirty fragmented pieces, revealing its historical significance despite extensive damage from vandalism and landslides. By analyzing its iconography and comparing it to well-preserved counterparts, such as those from Vatican City and Tarragona, researchers highlight its anomalous yet culturally rich portrayal, offering new insights into late antique burial practices and Christian symbolism.

Trout, D. (2010). 10. Borrowed Verse and Broken Narrative: Agency, Identity, and the (Bethesda) Sarcophagus of Bassa. Life, Death and Representation, 337–358. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110216783.337