A Greek Marble Grave Stele, Ionia, circa late 2nd Century B.C.

of slightly tapering form and surmounted by a pediment crowned with an acroterion, carved in relief within a recessed panel with two youths shaking hands, each wearing a chiton and himation; no restorations.

Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris
Joseph Brummer, Paris, inv. no. P83, acquired from the above prior to December 31st, 1924, sent to the New York gallery on June 27th, 1921 (http://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16028coll9/id/22237)
Mina Merrill Prindle (1864-1963), 2211 Greysolon Road, Duluth, Minnesota, and 1131 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena, California, acquired from the above on June 4th, 1930 (a previous sale dated December 17th, 1929 was cancelled for tax reasons)
thence by descent to the present owners

Good and as shown. Note losses to lower edge. Minor abrasions and chips overall. Surface slightly weathered and with areas of incrustation.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a closely related example cf. the stele of Antiochis from the Samos Archaeological Museum in Vathy, inv. no. 256: R. Horn, Hellenistische Bildwerke auf Samos (Samos 12), 1972, p. 153 f., no. 132, pl. 73. 96 (E. Pfuhl and H. Möbius, Die ostgriechischen Grabreliefs, vol. 1, 1977, p. 192f., no. 708, pl. 106; http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/objekt/216997). The funerary inscription and certain details, such as the palmette within the acroterion, were probably originally painted.

Mina Merrill Prindle appears to have had a particular fondness for ancient objects carved from warm and luminous stones, as evidenced by her Egyptian alabaster vases (and a headrest) sold at Sotheby's, New York, December 2016, nos. 1-8.

For an archival photograph showing the present stele in the Brummer Gallery at 43 East 57th Street, New York, sometime between 1924 and 1930, see http://libmma.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16028coll9/id/56132.