Ancient Roman Marble Funerary slab with inscription - 33.5 cm

ITEM: Funerary slab with inscription MATERIAL: Marble CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 335 mm x 245 mm x 57 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Austrian private collection, O. B., acquired in Zurich in 1979 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license. If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. Roman funerary slabs crafted from marble represent one of the most enduring legacies of the empire's commemorative traditions. These markers, often referred to as stelae or plaques, were designed to be set into the walls of collective tombs, such as columbaria, or placed atop individual graves. The choice of marble was a deliberate statement of permanence and social standing, providing a smooth, bright surface that allowed for high-quality carving. Over time, the design of these slabs evolved from simple rectangular blocks to more decorative forms featuring architectural elements like pediments, pilasters, or ornate borders that framed the text. The inscriptions on these slabs typically follow a highly standardized legal and social formula, often beginning with the abbreviation D.M. (Diis Manibus), dedicating the monument to the "Manes" or ancestral spirits of the deceased. The text provides a wealth of biographical data, including the individual's full name, age at the time of death (often recorded down to the days and hours), and their social status or profession. In many cases, the slab also names the person who commissioned the monument—frequently a spouse, parent, or former master—offering a poignant glimpse into the familial and social bonds that defined Roman life. Beyond the literal meaning of the words, the paleography and craftsmanship of the lettering itself reveal much about the Roman world. Professional stonecutters used "capitalis monumentalis," a style of lettering characterized by its geometric precision and the use of serifs, which helped the characters remain legible even when viewed from a distance or under shifting light. Many slabs also incorporated symbolic motifs alongside the text, such as laurel wreaths for victory over death, tools representing the deceased’s trade, or small portraits. These marble records served as a vital "social survival" mechanism, ensuring that the name and memory of the individual would endure in the public eye long after they had passed.

Estimate:£3,388.89

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