As we say goodbye to the summer it seems appropriate to feature this grave stele with a farewell scene of two youths.
Bought from us just last year it is now in a well known East Coast institution.
Greek grave stele
Ionia, c.2nd century BC
Marble
Dimensions: 64 x 34.4 x 11cm
An intimate scene of two youths shaking hands, one bidding farewell to the other, carved in relief within an inset rectangular panel. Each wears a chiton and himation, has short-cropped curly hair and is barefoot. Base with a cavetto, the sides of the stele subtly taper upwards, the stele surmounted by a pediment with simple palmette acroterion. A few chips to the base, a scratch on the pediment toned down, proper left corner of the pediment chipped, general surface wear and incrustation.
Provenance:
Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris, France; gallery established in 1908
Joseph Brummer (1883-1947), New York, USA; acquired from the above and sent to his New York gallery 27th June 1921, inventory no.P83
Mina Merrill Prindle (1864-1963), Minnesota and California, USA; acquired from the above 4th June 1930, thence by descent
