Gravestone of Mynnia in the Getty Villa, June 2016

Title: Grave Stele of Mynnia

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Culture: Greek (Attic)

Place: Greece (Attica) (Place Created)

Date: about 370 B.C.

Medium: Marble

Object Number: 71.AA.121

Dimensions: 97.8 × 43.8 × 5.1 cm (38 1/2 × 17 1/4 × 2 in.)

Inscription: Translated from Greek: "Here lies Mynnia to the sorrow of her mother Euphrosyne. Artemisias, Mynnia, (daughters) of Euteles".

Alternate Titles: Gravestone of Mynnia (Display Title)

Department: Antiquities

Classification: Sculpture

Object Type: Relief


The Greek inscription at the top of this funerary monument reads: "Here lies Mynnia, to the sorrow of her mother, Euphrosyne." It goes on to identify the figures depicted in the carving as “Artemisias, Mynnia, [daughters] of Euteles.” Euphrosyne sits on a stool with her cloak pulled up over her bowed head. Mynnia stands to the right, clasping her grieving mother’s hand, while her sister, Artemisias, kneels below. Mynnia wears her hair a long braid hanging down her back, a style indicating that she died before marriage. The handshake was a frequent gesture on Greek grave monuments of the 300s B.C., emphasizing family unity even after death. Originally, the inscription named only Euphrosyne and Mynnia. The names of Artemisias and Euteles, the girls' father, were added at a later date. Perhaps Artemisias died after the relief was carved, and her name was added so that the stele could honor both daughters.


Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/6582/unknown-maker-grave-stele-of-mynnia-greek-attic-about-370-bc