14A023
FUNERARY STELE OF
MARKOS AKOUTIOS OPTATOS
Roman East, circa 3rd century A.D.
Marble, Height: 59 cm.; Width: 55.8 cm.

In the panel, four figures are carved in medium relief, standing on a narrow ledge, a similar ledge projecting above them. The three figures to the left, a woman, a boy and a man, are dressed in formal Roman citizens' clothes, while the fourth much smaller figure on the right is barefoot and in a simple tunic. An inscription runs along the face of the upper ledge, and another is in the background field above the youth, who looks out toward the viewer, and between the heads of the woman and man, who direct their gazes toward each other and toward the boy.

"M(arkos) Akoutios Pamphilos and Sekonda Kapia
(To) M(arkos) Akoutious Optatos"

The stele may have been commissioned by Markos Akoutios Pamphilos and Sekonda Kapia, the parents of Markos Akoutios Optatos, on the occasion of their son's premature death. The fourth personage is probably a household servant or slave. Both men wear togas, so must be Roman citizens, and the younger Markos holds the volumen, also symbolic of citizenship. The mother's himation and veil, though, are standard Hellenistic conventions, as is the father's thoughtful pose, with left arm held across his body and his right hand raised to his chin. This family may have only recently gained citizenship and newly elevated status in their municipal community, only to see their hopes for the future dashed with the death of their son.

For comparison, see: E. Pfuhl and H. Moebius, Die ostgriechischen Grabreliefs (197), pl. 96-97.

Catalogue XIV

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