Marble plaque with funerary inscription
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Marble plaque with funerary inscription
- Period: Imperial
- Date: 1st–2nd century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: Height: 8 7/16 in. (21.4 cm)
Width: 14 9/16 in. (37cm)
Depth: 15/16 in. (2.3 cm)
Weight: 9.5 lb. (4.3 kg) - Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Museum Accession
- Object Number: X.248.1
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Roman
1st–2nd century CE
Roman
212–217 CE
Roman
ca. 14–37 CE
Roman
ca. 138–192 CE
Roman
1st–2nd century CE
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