Roman Palmyran Marble Funerary Relief w/ Inscription
Near East / Holy Land, Palmyra, Roman Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. An impressive Palmyran funerary relief, hand-carved from creamy white marble to depict a semi-recumbent banqueter figure beside an inscription in Palmyrene Aramaic. Dressed in lavish, thick robes that cascade in billowing folds down his body, the ancient figure holds a petite dish in his right hand, while resting his left hand atop his folded knee. He gazes outwards from huge, almond-shaped eyes with slender brows and generous lids above a bulbous nose, round cheeks, and a pair of full lips held closed. A thick curly coiffure caps his head, while a wreath wraps around his neck. Size: 14" W x 16" H (35.6 cm x 40.6 cm); 18.7" H (47.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Palmyra was a wealthy city that linked the caravan routes from the Parthian Near East with the Roman Mediterranean; the people who lived there during this period largely enjoyed prosperity and were able to adopt eastern and western customs, clothing, and artistic styles, creating a distinctive visual culture unique to the city. We know of this culture today from the large funerary monuments that the Palmyrans built - tower-shaped vaults whose interiors were lined with sculpted limestone reliefs depicting the deceased.
A distinct regional version of Roman funerary busts emerged in Palmyra. The figures and their elaborate ornamentation exemplified an attractive fusion of Western and Eastern influences. Palmyrene sculpture was made from a stone that is largely nonreflective - usually marble as we see in this example; however, the ancient Palmyrene sculptors excelled at sharp, angular chisel work that resulted in strong patterns which made for dramatic silhouettes and shadows. Just imagine this piece in its dark, shadowy tomb environment - lit by candlelight so that its intricate surface patterns would come to life as it were, the smooth facial contours contrasting with the darkness surrounding it - quite a vision indeed!
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Maryland, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s
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.
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.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167506
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece. Repaired from several pieces with minimal fill to break lines. Some light softening of finer details and inscription, as well as expected nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent. Chip to front right corner of stand.
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Near East / Holy Land, Palmyra, Roman Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. An impressive Palmyran funerary relief, hand-carved from creamy white marble to depict a semi-recumbent banqueter figure beside an inscription in Palmyrene Aramaic. Dressed in lavish, thick robes that cascade in billowing folds down his body, the ancient figure holds a petite dish in his right hand, while resting his left hand atop his folded knee. He gazes outwards from huge, almond-shaped eyes with slender brows and generous lids above a bulbous nose, round cheeks, and a pair of full lips held closed. A thick curly coiffure caps his head, while a wreath wraps around his neck. Size: 14" W x 16" H (35.6 cm x 40.6 cm); 18.7" H (47.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Palmyra was a wealthy city that linked the caravan routes from the Parthian Near East with the Roman Mediterranean; the people who lived there during this period largely enjoyed prosperity and were able to adopt eastern and western customs, clothing, and artistic styles, creating a distinctive visual culture unique to the city. We know of this culture today from the large funerary monuments that the Palmyrans built - tower-shaped vaults whose interiors were lined with sculpted limestone reliefs depicting the deceased.
A distinct regional version of Roman funerary busts emerged in Palmyra. The figures and their elaborate ornamentation exemplified an attractive fusion of Western and Eastern influences. Palmyrene sculpture was made from a stone that is largely nonreflective - usually marble as we see in this example; however, the ancient Palmyrene sculptors excelled at sharp, angular chisel work that resulted in strong patterns which made for dramatic silhouettes and shadows. Just imagine this piece in its dark, shadowy tomb environment - lit by candlelight so that its intricate surface patterns would come to life as it were, the smooth facial contours contrasting with the darkness surrounding it - quite a vision indeed!
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Maryland, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s
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.
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.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167506
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece. Repaired from several pieces with minimal fill to break lines. Some light softening of finer details and inscription, as well as expected nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent. Chip to front right corner of stand.
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