Reclining lion on a grave monument (?)

Roman Period

A.D. 2nd–3rd century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 600

This reclining lion probably served as a funerary monument. The Greek inscription reads: Thnepheros daughter of Pitikas dedicated [this] for good. The common Greek/Egyptian name Tanepheros is here written as Thnepheros, a reflection of the particular dialect of the Egyptian delta, where the lion was found. The phrase "dedicated this for good” is found in Egypt but not elsewhere in the Greek-speaking eastern Mediterranean. The use of lion sculptures as funeral monuments was a Greek custom.

Artwork Details

Overview

Translation

Provenance

Title: Reclining lion on a grave monument (?)
Period: Roman Period
Date: A.D. 2nd–3rd century
Geography: From Egypt, Eastern Delta, Tell Basta (Bubastis)
Medium: Limestone
Dimensions: l. 87 cm (34 1/4 in); w. 32 cm (12 5/8 in); h. 48 cm (18 7/8 in)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
Object Number: 12.181.187
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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