Roman Limestone Stelae / Sarc Fragment Greek-Inscribed

**Originally Listed At $2000**

Roman Greece, late Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A long fragment from a memorial stelae, sarcophagus / coffin, or tomb, depicting a reclining older man on a ledge that is probably meant to look like a couch or floor. Greek letters are incised into the upper left corner. Today they are fragmentary and almost impossible to read, but they were likely a description of the deceased, perhaps with a date or name included. The older man wears robes that have been carved with fine detail, and his position suggests that he is at a banquet; there is a round projection behind him likely intended to be a pillow that his arm rests upon while he leans. Size: 2.15" L x 13.5" W x 5.75" H (5.5 cm x 34.3 cm x 14.6 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.

Provenance: private St. Louis, Missouri, USA collection; ex Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired before 1990

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#128940
Condition Report: Piece is a fragment, with losses as shown. Expected wear to the soft limestone surface, with nice remaining form and some detail remaining, especially on the robes. Some of the letters are still visible.