| Description
In 1995, E. Rodríguez-Almeida joined blank fragments ni069 and
ni144
(Rodríguez-Almeida 2001, p. 69, figs. 13-15). The two fragments both lie along a slab edge and exhibit a common clamp hole. The fragment cluster spans 19 x 16 cm, and is 67-68 mm thick, and the clamp hole measures 4.3 x 2 cm and is approximately 3 cm deep. The front surface is chipped and pinkish, while the back side is gray in color.
Rodríguez-Almeida has made pencil markings across the fracture lines on both the front and back surfaces of the fragments to aid in their reunion. The marble characteristics, coloration, and thickness suggest that these fragments may belong with the same slab as fragments
ni019,
ni019b,
ni019c,
ni087,
and ni233.
Identification There were many blank areas on the Marble Plan, including the spaces occupied by the Tiber River (see fragment 24d), by gardens, arenas, temple precincts and courtyards--in short, any space devoid of architecture or human construction. In addition, several rows of large marble slabs occupied the entire lower part of the wall of the aula on which the Plan was placed, and probably also the other walls in the room. Blank fragments like this one could have originated from any of these areas.
Significance This database includes the first public presentation of 394 blank fragments from the Plan--they are not catalogued or illustrated in either of the two fundamental publications, PM 1960 and AG 1980. |
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