High relief with a female figure. Palmyra, Roman period, 2nd century AD. Limestone. Provenance: - Private collection, New York, USA, from the 1950s. - Aphrodite Ancient Art, New York, 2009. Declaration of Importation of Movable Goods Granted by the Spanish Ministry of Culture on 07/04/2009 with number 147/09. In good condition, no restorations. Measurements: 60,1 x 33 cm. This exquisite female figure represents a lady of high social rank, as she is richly dressed with a tunic that covers both head and body, while showing a lot of accessories such as earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. The fineness and neatness of the carving stands out, which evidences the sculptural skills of the craftsman. In the first century B.C. Palmyra became a province of the Roman Empire. When the governor Septimius Odenatus was killed in the war against the Sassanids, his widow, Zenobia, established an independent kingdom until she was defeated by the Roman Emperor Aurelian; a second revolt of the inhabitants caused Palmyra to be razed in 273, being rebuilt later by Diocletian. The area was taken by the Muslims in 634, and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.