A Hellenistic terracotta funerary wall painting
Circa 3rd Century B.C.
The painted panel moulded with a simple fascia above and below, and raised pilasters at either side, possibly once surmounted by a pediment, now missing, the scene set against a pale wash ground depicting the deceased, a central male figure, seated on a high-backed throne with a turned newell post and extended red foot-stool infront, his white himation draped over his left shoulder and around his waist, his bare muscular chest and strong arms revealed as he supports his bent right knee in his clasped hands, his head turned to the left, gazing towards the female figure on his right, probably his wife, standing at a three-quarters angle, demurely looking downwards with her left hand held to her chin in a pensive pose, her right arm drawn across her body, wearing a long pale blue chiton with a saffron yellow himation draped over the top and drawn over her head, to the right of this touching scene stands a nude dark skinned male youth, probably their slave standing in three-quarter back view, looking to his left, his right arm gesturing towards his master, to the far right of the panel stands a youthful guard, his legs apart, holding a large circular cream-coloured shield and a long spear, frontally facing, he wears a golden coloured helmet with red ribbons and an arching red plume, the impression of another figure perhaps standing behind him, now worn, 34in x 25in (86.4cm x 63.5cm)