Painted Limestone Funerary Stele with a Seated Man and Two Standing Figures 300 BC

This painted limestone funerary stele, dating back to 300 BC, showcases a scene of farewell. A seated man, likely the deceased, receives a final embrace from two standing figures, possibly his family members. The artwork, a testament to the ancient Greek tradition of commemorating the dead, offers a glimpse into their beliefs and rituals. The faded pigments and weathered surface evoke the passage of time, underscoring the enduring significance of this ancient art form. This stele, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a reminder of the enduring human desire to honor and remember loved ones beyond the realm of the mortal.