Roman, Imperial period, Eastern Empire, probably Phrygia (present day Turkey), ca. 3rd century CE. An impressive stele for a husband and wife displaying the bust of each beneath an archway with an ancient Greek inscription and objects that serve as attributes for their idealized identities as a farmer and a woman of beauty. Surmounted by an acroteria, the couple stands between 2 pillars of scrolling motifs, gazing forth from sizable almond-shaped eyes as himations drape their shoulders. The inscription on the archway above them indicates the year they passed - 241/4 - while below states that this stele is in memory of Lukianos Tatianis and his wife. A mirror, perfume bottle, and comb are placed beneath the wife, serving as symbols of her beauty. Alternatively, a vine knife is shown near the husband, indicating he was a farmer. Note how their placement beneath an archway indicates that the couple is breeching a threshold, perhaps passing through the gates of Hades and entering the afterlife. Size: 17.1" W x 33.5" H (43.4 cm x 85.1 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.

For marble stele featuring similar depictions of couples and inscriptions, please see accession numbers 83.AA.204 at the Getty Institute and 1979-7-1 at the Krannert Art Museum at University of Illinois.

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

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#177241

Some chipping to peripheries, as well as nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail.