Marble plaque with funerary inscription

Unknown

1st–2nd century CE · Marble · Greek and Roman Art

The Latin inscription probably comes from a columbarium, a communal chamber tomb. It reads: "To the spirits of the dead. For C. Porcius Dionysius, who lived 8 years, 10 months, and 13 days. C. Porcius Dionysius made [this] for the sweetest of sons." The boy, who was clearly named after his father, died first, exemplifying the high rate of child mortality in antiquity.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st–2nd century CE

Medium

Marble

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Museum Accession