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Corinthian capital from a funerary monument

Greek, South Italian
Early Hellenistic Period
about 300–250 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: South Italy, Probably from Tarentum

Medium/Technique Limestone
Dimensions Height x width: 6 x 16.8 cm (2 3/8 x 6 5/8 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule III in the name of Cornelius Adrian Comstock Vermeule
Accession Number1986.1020
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsArchitectural elements

Catalogue Raisonné Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), no. 015.
DescriptionCorinthian Capital with mourning Siren in the center of the front. Four volutes, each supported by a large acanthus foliage. Abacus with dentil molding above. Palmette(s) on the sides, rosette in the rear.
The two ends of the projections of the abacus, above the volutes, are damaged. There is minor chipping on the uppermost outer edge of the top molding. Otherwise, the condition is excellent, with the large, rectangular dowel hole preserved on the underside and pink coloring on the back.
ProvenanceSaid to be from a private collection in Lugano. 1970: Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, and André Emmerich Gallery, 41 East 57th Street, New York (Art of Ancient Italy, April 4 to 29, 1970, André Emmerich Gallery, New York, no. 88); April 22, 1970, sold by André Emmerich Gallery to Emily (Mrs. Cornelius C.) Vermeule III, Cambridge, MA (loaned to MFA by Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule III, May 8, 1970); December 1986: gift of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Vermeule III to MFA.