![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/56/439/large_thumbnail_1999_0411.jpg)
Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Ostia, Italy, 400 BCE-300 CE
- Made:
- 400 BCE-300 CE in Ostia Antica
![Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Ostia, Italy, 400 BCE-300 CE](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/257/755/small_thumbnail_a129245__0001_.jpg)
![Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Ostia, Italy, 400 BCE-300 CE](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/257/757/small_thumbnail_a129245__0003_.jpg)
![Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Ostia, Italy, 400 BCE-300 CE](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/257/758/small_thumbnail_a129245__0004_.jpg)
![Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Ostia, Italy, 400 BCE-300 CE](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/257/756/small_thumbnail_a129245__0002_.jpg)
![Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Roman, from Ostia](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/6/91/small_thumbnail_a129245.jpg)
Marble plaque showing parturition scene, Roman, from Ostia, Italy
This marble plaque depicts a ‘parturition’, or birthing scene. Such scenes eased the fears of expectant mothers by depicting positive birthing images. During this time, midwives were female. Men were not present at births unless a doctor was required in the case of a high status mother. Here, a woman reclines on a couch covered in drapes, attended by three women. They are dressed in classical Roman robes and one is holding the baby. The plaque was excavated at Ostia, Italy.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A129245
- Materials:
- marble
- Measurements:
-
overall: 250 mm x 340 mm x 63 mm, 10.62 kg
- type:
- relief
- credit:
- Racchi