Tombstones

[mcbishop]

Annaius Daverzus' tunic appears to be hanging as one would expect (and a lovely drape it is too, beautifully executed)

http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/index2.php?..._large.jpg

However, this Mainz example appears to be draped like a pair of curtains ie two "ends" meeting; and if not, then sorry, suspended in the middle by something - possibly...maybe.

I think the key detail is that the sides are hitched up (rather than the front pulled down) and that the front part usually overlaps the rear at the sides, that is why you get the inverted V shape on the side of the thigh, the curving hem effect and the exaggerated folds (which are indeed beautifully depicted on Annaius' stone but more or less stylised on most others) on the front.

The cummerbund may have been instrumental in achieving this effect. Many people here will want to know 'why?' but that is immaterial (frightful pun); the 'how' concerns me ;-)

Perhaps the almost-paper is worth writing(please?)

Maybe for JRMES 17 hock:

Mike Bishop