This is a small sarcophagus for a young child, a fact reinforced not only by the size but also by the motif of erotes. This relief includes a striking image of one reaching their hand through a theatrical mask, which is other contexts has been interpreted as a young satyr playing at the role of Silenus (the old satyr).
Whether playfulness or naughtiness was the desired idea, a sarcophagus like this makes our hearts ache for the parents who buried their child far too young.
🏛️ Museo Nazionale Romano, Terme di Diocleziano via the Melbourne Museum.