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Funerary stele of a young man
Roman
Imperial Period
about A.D. 100–150 or later (?)
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
84.9 x 46.5 x 16 cm (33 7/16 x 18 5/16 x 6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Richard Titelman
Accession Number1971.424
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 363; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 115 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe young man wears a himation and stands facing in an oval to rectangular niche. His long face and large eyes, forerunners of East Greek art in Late Antiquity, give him a greater dignity and a greater age than is suggested by his chubby legs. An inscription appears on the bottom edge of the frame; the last five letters are uncertain: (add Greek).
The young man with his fleshy legs and rubbery himation is thus unusual, all the more because of the serious contrast implicit in his large head, large almond eyes, and his long nose and chin.
The edges of the naiskos are chipped and worn; the surface, which has yellowed, is somewhat pitted; otherwise the condition of the stele, which was once perhaps painted, is excellent.
Northern Syria.
The young man with his fleshy legs and rubbery himation is thus unusual, all the more because of the serious contrast implicit in his large head, large almond eyes, and his long nose and chin.
The edges of the naiskos are chipped and worn; the surface, which has yellowed, is somewhat pitted; otherwise the condition of the stele, which was once perhaps painted, is excellent.
Northern Syria.
InscriptionsΘΕΟΤΕΚΝΕ ΑW[ΕΙΑΙΕ]
ProvenanceBy about 1967: with Jerome M. Eisenberg, 44 East 82nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10028; by 1971: Richard Titelman Collection; gift of Richard Titelman to MFA, November 10, 1971