Funerary Stele of Phainippos at The Louvre, Paris

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This stunning Pentelic Marble funerary stele featuring Phainippos was crafted around 350 BC and unearthed in Athens. The inscription etched onto the archway of this stele allows us to accurately identify the figures depicted. On the left, Phainippos, son of Polyxénos, firmly grips the hand of Mnésaréte, wife of Hippostratos, possibly a spouse, in a poignant gesture of farewell (déxiosis*). This symbolic gesture is commonly found on ancient funerary monuments, such as the one beside this one (Funerary stele of Mnésaréte). In the background, the hand held to the face signifies a tragic affliction, restraining Mnésaréte, wife of Socrates. The small figure wearing the chiton (tunic) represented to the right of the figures likely depicts a loyal servant. During the IV Century BC, funerary steles began featuring multiple figures, often depicting family reunions. This particular monument showcasing four people serves as an excellent example of this type of representation. *exiosis (‘to give (someone) the right (hand)’ δεξιός, dexios ‘right’, Latin dextrarum iunctio ‚’joining together of the right hands’) is a term used in fine arts to describe the depiction of two people extending their right hand in greeting. Well-known dexiosis reliefs can be found in Commagene, where the ruling monarch is shown shaking hands with gods. Similarly, dexiosis reliefs appear on Roman gravestones, featuring the deceased alongside their spouses. Dexiosis reliefs are also seen on ancient coins, intended to symbolize the bonds between two cities by shaking hands. Portrayals of dexiosis date back much earlier times, when they first appeared on vase paintings.