apuleiaprimilla:This rectangular funerary monument is designed in the form of a naiskos (shrine), fl
apuleiaprimilla:This rectangular funerary monument is designed in the form of a naiskos (shrine), flanked on either side by pilasters with Corinthian capitals. It is topped by a pediment with a small, simple akroterion. A small, probably pregnant female dog, a Canis Melitaeus (Maltese) sits in the niche. Her head is turned to face the viewer. Beneath her on the face of the relief is a plaque with curved ansae and an incription reading: Helenae alumnae / animae / incomparabili et / bene merenti, meaning ”To Helena / foster daughter / the incomparable and / worthy soul”.The monument appears to be puzzling. No doubt an expensive memorial, it appears to honor the dog. A more conventional interpretation is that the dog is a favorite pet of the deceased child Helena and has been placed there to guard her tomb and keep her company. 150 - 200 A.D., from a villa near RomeThe J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles -- source link