Description

In Palmyran tombs, some limestone tiles decorated with deceased owner (and family) busts were ciseled to close the entrance (loculi) where body were buried.

Our specimen shows the head of a Palmyran priest wearing the typical modius. It has been crafted using limeston (or marble) that has been petrified over the time. The type of stone of our example is close to the AO 2069 of the Louvre (1). Indeed, the limestone type is very close to this example with multiple pink veins that can particularly be seen on the raw reverse of our item. Regarding the design, the same Louvre’s example is also very close since eyeballs are quite ciseled in the same way, which is a lot scarcer than type of busts showing pupils. However, our specimen have a different kind of modius without any frieze (but a potential ornament on the upper part that is missing). Thus, the style of the modius looks a bit more like the AO 4086 of the Louvre (2). Our artefact lacks ears showing the face mask from chin to the upper part of the modius.

Apart from two old little cracks that might have been done because of an old basing, this artefact is really appealing and is in an almost perfect  shape for its age. Only some abrasion marks can be seen on the right cheek and a little crack typical from erosion below the left eye.

This figure is mounted on a custom iron stand with 3 fixed attached. (see last pictures).

This specimen has been bought in 2003 (prior to the embargo) at ArtAncient Ltd gallery in London.

References

(1) Specimen AO 2069 of the Louvre

(2) Specimen AO 4086 of the Louvre

Great North Museum , Newcastle (UK)

Picture of the Geneva exhibition