Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The Museum Year 2010
The Year
Acquisitions
Art of the Ancient World: July 2009–June 2010
Funerary stele of Dionysion, a singer
about 2nd century A.D.
15.2 x 32.5 x 22.9 cm (6 x 12 13/16 x 9 in.)
Marble
Classification: Inscriptions
Culture: Roman, Eastern Mediterranean
Place of Manufacture: Asia Minor (probably)
Period: Imperial Period
Accession number: 2010.39
Description: Greek inscription in seven lines: "Here lies Dionysion, maker of melody, who in his lifetime was distinguished for his fine character. You who pass by, shed a tear for his youth and his golden voice, and call down reproaches on the unjust fates." A leafy spray below. The stele has been re-carved from the top half of a fluted column capital.
Provenance/Ownership History: Folio Fine Art, Ltd., U.K. ("The Art of the Scribe," cat. no. 1008); November 1968, sold by Folio Fine Art to Colin McFadyean, U.K.; by 2009, with Charles Ede, Ltd., 20 Brook Street, London W1K 5DE, U.K. (stock no. 8059); 2010, sold by Charles Ede, Ltd., to the MFA. (Accession date: February 24, 2010)
Museum purchase with funds donated by The Laurel Society