Procession of Nobles

Description

Palmyra was a key center for trade between the Roman and Parthian Empires. This unique relief has been associated with Palmyra only through stylistic comparisons; it is not known where it was found on the site. It depicts men in Parthian dress riding Arabian horses with bejeweled harness trappings ahead of riders on camels—a possible reference to the caravans that made Palmyra so wealthy. Although all of the riders are dressed and equipped as Parthians, the proportions and perspective of the scene seem to be informed by Greco-Roman conventions. It may depict a ceremonial procession.

Provenance

J.J. Klejman Works of Art, New York, NY (by 1969)

Procession of Nobles

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100–150 CE

Accession Number

1970.15

Medium

limestone

Dimensions

Overall: 57.7 x 120.7 x 34.5 cm (22 11/16 x 47 1/2 x 13 9/16 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund