The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History   The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Funerary slab with a soldier, Hellenistic, second half of 3rd century B.C.
Greek; from the Soldiers' Tomb, Ibrahimieh necropolis, Alexandria, excavated 1884
Painted inscription: "[B]itos, son of Lostoiex, a Galatian"
Limestone, paint; H. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904 (04.17.5)

A soldier stands "at ease" wearing a long blue mantle and holding a spear and a tall red oval shield seen in profile. Extensive remains of the black preparation drawing are visible in areas of the drapery and shield. The frontal, public posture of this figure resembles civic honorific statuary of the period.

Open full-size and alternate view(s)


    • Related Index Terms

    Material and Technique

    Subject Matter/Theme

    Technical Glossary


    • Funerary slab with a soldier, Hellenistic, second half of 3rd century B.C.
    Greek; from the Soldiers' Tomb, Ibrahimieh necropolis, Alexandria, excavated 1884
    Painted inscription: "[B]itos, son of Lostoiex, a Galatian"
    Limestone, paint; H. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
    Gift of Darius Ogden Mills, 1904 (04.17.5)