This relief sculpture is a white marble stele from the Graeco-Roman period, believed to be from the early 4th century BC. With dimensions of 72 centimeters in height and 37 centimeters in width, the predominantly rectangular object exhibits a slight curve at the top. Both the top and bottom sections of the piece display evidence of detailed relief work that has unfortunately been eroded with time.
The stele is sectioned into two panels by horizontal incised lines. The upper panel features four human-sized, high relief figures. The central figure is identified as Asclepius, denoted by a long-haired, bearded man seated on a throne holding a staff. Asclepius is recognized in ancient Greek mythology as the deity of healing and medicine. Accompanying Asclepius are three other figures: a man offering a hydria (water jar), a veiled woman with a sceptre, and a younger figure presumed to be his daughter, Hygieia.
The lower panel is predominantly filled by an Epitaph written in Ionic script, a Greek dialect common to the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The translated text reveals a dedication to Asclepius, expressing thanks for healing and a request for continued good health.
