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THBTranslated Greek Marble Stele - Farewell Scene
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJun 27, 2024
Classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (206)
- Lot Description
**This item is heavy/oversized and will require 3rd party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding.**
Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A stunning marble stele depicting a farewell scene between a soldier and a male and female figure, accompanied by 3 lines of Ancient Greek text below. Standing beside his horse, the helmeted warrior wears a tunic and cape and holds a spear while shaking the hand of the robed male. The Greek inscription below translates to "Here lies Izanis, son of Atrakos and Atraki, who is the daughter of Filas." Shaking hands is a traditional symbol of harmony, affinity, friendship, and loyalty. In the funerary context, however, this gesture bears an even greater meaning: this simple embrace between 2 figures alludes not only to their parting at death but also their reunion in the afterlife. Additionally, the scene's placement within a naiskos may be read as passing through a gateway, possibly a tomb or Hades, indicating their positioning on the threshold between this world and the next. Size: 4.5" L x 19.5" W x 32.5" H (11.4 cm x 49.5 cm x 82.6 cm)A touching example that simultaneously highlights the transience of life, the ephemerality of relationships, and, yet also, the everlasting nature of both love and art.
Dexiosis is a modern term referring to the handshaking motif appearing in ancient Greek art, which had specific meaning and symbolism. Though it was a characteristic iconographic element of Classical antiquity, its roots can be traced back to the Archaic period. Dexiosis was not merely a compositional element connecting two people but carried a deeper meaning. Most often, the motif was associated with funerary art of Classical Athens. On funerary monuments the deceased were depicted in the circle of their families, which reflected the ideals of contemporary society. Particularly notable is the contrast between the public character of the funerary monument and the private nature of the depiction. Its meaning should be perceived in terms of both the intimate gesture expressing emotions and the formal presentation of the family. Dexiosis emphasized a permanent bond as the fundamental element of the family in particular, and society in general. At the same time, it was associated with the theme of farewell. The gesture was performed by two people in a dialogical composition, which clearly showed their mutual relationship, and the figures were depicted in various compositions regardless of their gender or age. The motif was also used in Hellenistic and Roman art. In this case, dexiosis presumably symbolized the last touch before separation, or homonoia of soldiers. A beautiful reminder that, like these figures beneath the archway, we are all just passing through.
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor’s location. All information regarding condition, size, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, 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.
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#187316Condition
Accompanied by custom bronze base. Fragment of a larger piece as shown with chipping to edges. Age-expected wear with loss to head of female figure as well as nicks, chips, and abrasions. Good remaining detail and clear inscription. Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
- Shipping Info
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