Merovingian Funerary Stele Late Antiquity

Funerary stele in fossiliferous limestone representing a woman with long braids holding back a section of her dress and holding an object in the other hand, probably a crown. Feet wearing pointed shoes rest on a cushion. The scene presented undoubtedly evokes a high-ranking woman resting in a sarcophagus. This sculpture is a continuation of the Gallo-Roman funerary steles of late antiquity, but is distinguished by the clothing details (dress) and the general staging which leads us to place it in the 5th century, at the very top middle ages. If we find this type of hairstyle at the time of Faustina the Younger and Julia Domna in the second half of the 2nd century or of Plautilla at the beginning of the 3rd century, the style persisted and the treatment here is barbaric, and illustrious the adoption by the Germanic barbarian peoples of local Gallo-Roman customs. The two long braids are also typical of the period. The dress supports this hypothesis with connections towards the end of the 4th century, notably on the diptych of Stilicho (Monza Cathedral).
Details www.ekinium.com