Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A marble stele or funerary plaque of rectangular form, carved with a relief image of a man on horseback within a plain border; the loss near the top suggests that it may have once had a triangular projection. It depicts a figure traveling on horseback, dressed in a flowing himation that streams out behind him as he rides. The horse's body is carefully rendered, with the same level of muscular detail and attention to anatomy as the man's, suggesting a high level of regard for the animal. The horse strides towards a column with large-scale topiary and vines growing beside it. The column represents a demonstration of or possibly an aspiration to wealth, and the beautiful domiciles that it could buy. Size: 14.1" W x 15.5" H (35.8 cm x 39.4 cm); 18.5" H (47 cm) on included custom stand.

In the 2nd century CE, sarcophagi became common in Rome, representing a shift from cremation to inhumation. These coffins could be made of wood, stone, lead, and, most luxuriously, marble. Most of these were low, rectangular shapes with flat lids, made to be placed on a wall or niche inside a mausoleum, so sides left visible would be highly decorated. Battle, hunting scenes, and scenes from elite life, like this one probably depicts, were popular. It seems likely that individuals or their families commissioned specific subjects in order to commemorate the dead, and that artisans would have worked closely with them to realize their designs. What importance might a scene like this one have had to the deceased - perhaps he had a beloved horse or rode the horse in battle?

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#131376

Top of stele is lost, but this does not impact the artwork. Chips, nicks, and surface wear commensurate with age, with nice preservation of artistic details as shown.