Grave Stele For Helena
A.D. 150–200
- Medium
- Marble
- Dimensions
- 61 × 31.5 cm
- Status
- In Museum Collection
- Collect24 Art ID
- C24-221753
A Maltese dog in the architectural setting of a naiskos, or small shrine, decorates this Roman grave relief. The inscription on the relief reads, "To Helena, foster daughter, the incomparable and worthy soul." Was the Helena commemorated by this sculpture a dog or a girl? The Romans made grave reliefs for animals, but these usually took a different form and their inscriptions specify that they were intended for an animal. On the other hand, funerary monuments for children often show the child with a favorite pet. In this instance, however, the pet is shown alone, which might be more appropriate if Helena was not a high-born Roman. The inscription appears to support this interpretation because the word *alumnus,* although here translated as "foster daughter," can also mean a slave raised in the house.
Provenance
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
Registry history
- A.D. 150–200 — Recorded in the collection of J. Paul Getty Museum — sculpture
Registered on Collect24
The identity of the collector is never published. Purchase information, documents and the exact location of the artwork remain private.
Ownership not yet verified on Collect24
This artwork is documented in the Global Art Registry, but no Collect24 account is linked to it as the owner. Claiming keeps this record and its Collect24 Art ID — nothing is created a second time.
Do you own or represent this artwork? Claim this artwork →Auction history
Public sale records matched to this work. Ownership is never disclosed.
Loading sale records…