Limestone funerary cippus (tomb marker)

Unknown

2nd–3rd century CE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

Only one other funerary cippus of this type is known, but the conventions used are similar to those of Egyptian painted portraits. The woman portrayed here is named in the Greek inscription as Kratea. In an attempt to capture her individuality, she is represented with rather bony and irregular features, and her hair is parted down the middle, a convention that seems to imply that she was elderly. Her jewelry is meant as an indicator of her wealth and status.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd–3rd century CE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Roman, Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76