These grave stele from the National Archaeological Museum in Athens date back to the late 4th Century BC. They is created from sandstone, measure approximately 1.5 meters in height, and are intended for public display. Stelai of this nature were commonly placed in highly visible areas such as roadsides or near city gates in ancient Greece.

The stele is designed with a flat, upright form divided into two sections by a horizontal mold. The upper section takes on the shape of a pediment and bears signs of weathering indicative of its historical period. The lower section, more open in size and scale, hosts an emotional, narrative scene.

The intricacy in detailing the figures' gestures and body positions evokes a profound sense of lament in line with the stele's funerary function. The epitaph, while integral to such works, has substantially faded over time. Traces of paint remain, hinting at the original vivacity of specific details.

The quality of this sculpture suggests the involvement of skilled and highly trained artists, evidenced by the refined rendering of human forms and minute details. Such refinement and attention to emotive subtleties are consistent with funerary art from this era of late classical Greece.


Polycam
5th Century BC
National Archaeological Musem in Athens
Keramikos, Athens, Greece
Acropolis