Finial of Attic grave stele

Owner institution Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Summary

The stele is made of white marble probably Pentelic. The stele has been examined with Visible Indiced Luminescence. Traces of Egyptian Blue was documented on the acanthus leaves and the volutes, and some on the background.

Description of object

A break goes through the upper part of the sunken relief, small chips of the frame.

The anthemion is shaped like the half of en ellipse and rests on a flat member under which a recessed moulding separates it from the stele below, on the upper part which bears an inscription.

Choice of methods

Visual examination

Macroscopic

Technical imaging

April, 2010: VIL-examinations: The luminescent particles indicating Egyptian blue is spread primarily at the acanthus leaves and the volutes. Pigments seen on the leaves and on the background as well.

Bibliography

F. Poulsen 1951, Catalogue of Ancient Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. No. 203.

M. Moltesen 1995, Catalogue. Greece in the Classical Period. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. No. 28.

Inv. no. IN 1409
Object type Stele
Date c. 360-50 B.C.E.
Period / Culture Classical
Material White marble
Acquisition information Bought in 1895 in Athens.
Dimensions H. 46 cm.; W. 41 cm.; D. 10 cm.

Selected photos

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Other The architectonic fragment examined with VIL: The white, luminescend spots indicates the use of Egyptian Blue in the original colouring.