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Grave stele with woman holding a mirror
Greek
Classical Period
Late 5th–early 4th century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Marble from Mt. Pentelikon near Athens
Dimensions
Overall: 58 x 45.7cm (22 13/16 x 18in)
112 LBS mounted DV add 5 for wall cleat
112 LBS mounted DV add 5 for wall cleat
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number04.16
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 065; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 108 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe central panel, the stele proper, is enclosed by narrow, Doric pilasters supporting a pediment with akroteria in the form of simple palmettes. The lady is gazing into a mirror. She wears a sleeved chiton with overfold reaching to the waist and a himation. This outer garment covers both shoulders and, passing under the right arm and across the body, is thrown over the left arm at the elbow. Her hair is bound up, and the back of the head is covered by a veil, the folds of its end floating out in the background. A large disc appears on the right ear.
The sides of the stele were carefully smoothed; the top and the back were left rough. The surface of the woman's head is corroded. There is some deposit on the remaining surfaces, which have turned the usual yellow of Pentelic marble.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8413: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.6 / delta18O -4.8,
Attribution - Mt. Pentelikon. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain, Attic style
The sides of the stele were carefully smoothed; the top and the back were left rough. The surface of the woman's head is corroded. There is some deposit on the remaining surfaces, which have turned the usual yellow of Pentelic marble.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8413: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.6 / delta18O -4.8,
Attribution - Mt. Pentelikon. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain, Attic style
Provenance1904, sold by Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 - d. 1928), London, to the MFA for $74,100 [see note]. (Accession Date: January 19, 1904)
NOTE: Total price for MFA accession nos. 04.6 - 04.37.
NOTE: Total price for MFA accession nos. 04.6 - 04.37.