A Roman Limestone Commemorative Stele for Chreste, Roman Imperial Period, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

This simple stele encapsulates the deep personal loss of a father commemorating his child. Neatly carved from pale limestone, it features a framed two-line hand-carved inscription in Greek that reads:

ΑΡΤΕΜΙΔΩΡΟΥ
ΧΡΗΣΤΗΙ ΧΑΙΡΕ 

Translation: “To Chreste, daughter of Artemidoros, farewell.”

The inscription is brief and restrained, yet highly informative. Chreste is identified not through a husband’s name, but as the daughter of Artemidoros. This patronymic designation suggests she died at a young age before marriage and motherhood. The lettering is executed in a formal lapidary script, its sharp, careful strokes reflecting the solemn function of the marker. The formula chaire (“farewell” or “rejoice”) was a conventional closing in epitaphs of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, conveying both grief and a hope for peace in the afterlife.

The use of the affectionate farewell rather than a longer eulogy highlights the universality of grief, expressed through a conventional but heartfelt formula. Funerary stelai of this kind were common across the Greek-speaking eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, where Greek remained the principal language of public and private commemoration well into the Imperial period. They were established in civic cemeteries or necropoleis to identify and honor the deceased, providing a lasting testament to familial ties. 

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: Height:  10 1/8 x Width: 10 1/4 in (25.7 x 26 cm)

Condition: The stele is complete but shows signs of age and burial. The surface is worn with expected scattered abrasions, accretions, and discoloration consistent with long exposure. Professional conservation has rejoined an ancient fracture line across the lower field, with some minor fills and surface infill visible on close inspection. The carved letters remain clear and legible. Mounted on a custom, museum-quality stand for display.

Provenance: Private NYC collection acquired from the US trade