Roman, Imperial period, probably Eastern Empire, ca. 3rd century CE. An impressive stone stele featuring a basket of wool surrounded by garlands and an Greek inscription translating to "you that have caused no pain, goodbye" along with the date and name of the deceased. The inclusion of a basket identifies this as a stele for a female, as a male's would have instead shown an eagle. Also symbolic are the garlands, which are a typical Roman funerary motif. The depiction of these flowers as perpetually ageless serves as an expression of the Roman belief the soul's continued existence. Romans also thought of the bones or ashes of the deceased of generating flowers, as another Roman epitaph reads: "Here lies Optatus, a child ennobled by devotion: I pray that his ashes may be violets and roses, and I ask that the Earth, who is his mother now, be light upon him, for the boy's life was a burden to no one." (J.M.C. Toynbee, Death and Burial in the Roman World [Johns Hopkins University Press, 1971, 1996], pp. 37) Size: 5.8" L x 15.5" W x 17.5" H (14.7 cm x 39.4 cm x 44.4 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. In the western part of the Empire, 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.

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Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#177235

Expected chipping, nicks, and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining detail and light earthen deposits throughout.