An Early Christian Marble Funerary Inscription, Western Rhineland, probably Augusta Treverorum (Trier), 4th/5th Century A.D.

engraved with four lines of Latin inscription translating, “Here Arcadius rests soundly in peace, who lived twenty-three years, four months, and five days. Romula set up this epitaph for her dearest son,” a chrismos with alpha and omega flanked by two doves below; no restorations.

François Antonovich, Paris
Charles Ede, Ltd., London, acquired from the above in April 1976
acquired from the above by the present owner between 1979-1982

Charles Ede, Ltd, London, Writing and Lettering in Antiquity, September 1979, no. 25, illus.
The Rendells, Inc., Newton, Mass., The History of Mankind, vol. 3, 1982, no. 1, illus.

Irregular edges along sides and bottom seem to preserve some ancient surface areas, as opposed to top edge which looks fresh and does not show any sign of incrustation. Part of back appears to have been shaved off very neatly in modern times (presumably to lighten weight of object), leaving a flat smooth surface which has developed a light brown patina over time. Inscribed side well preserved with slightly shiny, micro-pitted surface perhaps indicating light acid cleaning. Surface could also be covered in wax.
"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."

Except for the names of mother and son the text of this inscription matches exactly an epitaph from Trier adorned below with an olive tree, a vessel, and a dove (F. X. Kraus, Die altchristlichen Inschriften der Rheinlande, vol. 1, 1890, no. 87, pl. VIII; CIL 13.3796; E. Gose, Katalog der früchristlichen Inschriften in Trier, 1958, n. 5,  http://db.edcs.eu/epigr/bilder.php?bild=$CIL_13_03796.jpg;$Gose_00005.jpg). The opening formula is identical in both inscriptions, down to the spelling quiescet for quiescit, and unattested anywhere else (see K. H. Krämer, Die frühchristlichen Grabinschriften Triers. Untersuchungen zu Formular, Chronologie, Paläographie und Fundort, 1974, p. 55).

For similar doves with chevron-engraved tails flanking a chrismos on another funerary inscription from Trier see Recueil des inscriptions chrétiennes de la Gaule, vol. 1, 1975, no. 69 (http://db.edcs.eu/epigr/bilder.php?bild=$RICG_01_00069.jpg).

For a detailed epigraphical and linguistic note discussing the present inscription, without comparables, see Ede, op. cit., no. 25.