Roman, Imperial period, Eastern Empire, probably Phrygia (present day Turkey), ca. 3rd century CE. An impressive stele for a husband and wife displaying the bust of each beneath an archway with an ancient Greek inscription and objects that serve as attributes for their idealized identities as a farmer and a woman of beauty. Surmounted by an acroteria, the couple stands between 2 pillars of scrolling motifs, gazing forth from sizable almond-shaped eyes as himations drape their shoulders. The inscription on the archway above them indicates the year they passed - 241/4 - while below states that this stele is in memory of Lukianos Tatianis and his wife. A mirror, perfume bottle, and comb are placed beneath the wife, serving as symbols of her beauty. Alternatively, a vine knife is shown near the husband, indicating he was a farmer. Note how their placement beneath an archway indicates that the couple is breeching a threshold, perhaps passing through the gates of Hades and entering the afterlife. Size: 17.1" W x 33.5" H (43.4 cm x 85.1 cm)
Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, they began to place their dead in sarcophagi. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire. In the western part of the Empire, sarcophagi were placed inside a mausoleum against a wall or in a niche, so the only decorated panels were on the front and the short sides. This stele probably came from the grave of a high-status Roman citizen.
For marble stele featuring similar depictions of couples and inscriptions, please see accession numbers 83.AA.204 at the Getty Institute and 1979-7-1 at the Krannert Art Museum at University of Illinois.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#177241
Condition
Some chipping to peripheries, as well as nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail.