Funerary Stela

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Funerary Stela

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Byzantine period

Date: 6th-7th century A.D.

Medium: Limestone with traces of red pigment

Dimensions:

h. 34.9 cm; w. 24.8 cm; d. 3.2 cm

Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.

Object number: 2000.12

Inscribed: One line of Greek inscribed around the curved top of the stela: [cross] EIC ΘEOC O BOΘEωC TAXHΛ [cross] "The one God, helping Tachel"

Provenance: sold, Sotheby's, New York, June 14, 2000, lot 40 (as "Property from a Belgian Private Collection"), to San Antonio Museum of Art

Published References Sotheby's, New York, June 14, 2000, lot 40

Label Text

Christianity became the predominant religion in Egypt by the fifth century. This funerary stela served as a Christian’s grave marker and depicts a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, standing between two columns with stylized Corinthian capitals. At the top of the stela, between two crosses, is a Greek inscription with the acclamation “One is God, who helps!” followed by the name of the deceased, probably Tachel.
(Jessica Powers, 2018)

On view

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

Artwork

Funerary Stela

Funerary Stela