Funerary Stele for Lykios, son of Apollas

Culture: Greek

Period: Classic Period, 4th century B.C.

Material: Marble

Dimensions: 87.7 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2052

Provenance: German private collection, acquired around 1920, afterwards Bavarian private collection. Christies New York, 13 December 2013, lot 88.

Condition: Intact without any fillings or over painting.

Description: A stele tapering towards the top, presenting on the upper part an elevated relief depicting a full bearded man seated on a stool. He is wearing a chiton and a himation on his shoulder, reaching his hand towards a standing woman. She is also wearing a chiton and a veil over her head, symbolizing her grief. The man’s feet resting on a foot stool, suggesting that he was an elderly man. Above the frame the names ΛΥΚΙΟΣ “Lykios” and ΑΠΟΛΛΑ “Apolla” are inscribed. The Dexiosis motive of the handshake scene is typical for Greek funerary reliefs of the classic period. The stele is crowned by a large, projecting palmette with rich ornamentation. Extremely rare stele from the classic period, with its wonderful preserved polychromy portraying a vivid impression of the ancient colorfulness.