Roman, Imperial period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A beautiful marble funerary stele in the shape of a temple, with an inset rectangular area containing a high relief figure of a bearded man below a triangular pediment. The man stands, facing forward, draped in a flowing himation and wearing a textured chiton. He holds a tall staff in one hand and a small animal in the other - perhaps intended to be a sacrifice. The roof has a round boss set into its center, with a thick border around it; the border extends down to encapsulate the man. Three finials (two remaining) rise from the roof. The figure is nicely detailed, probably representing a mythical character who had special meaning for the deceased. Size: 12.45" W x 19.25" H (31.6 cm x 48.9 cm); 23.2" H (58.9 cm) on included custom stand.

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, which based on the leaf motif this panel probably came from, 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.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#135472

Surface wear commensurate with age, including some pitting, chips, and nicks. The border is partially lost as is one of the finials. Nice preservation of detail, especially on the face and clothing.