Jean Charles Blais, a renowned artist known for his colorful and abstract works, recently made a surprising discovery in his studio in Vence, France. While investigating a leak in his studio, a contractor uncovered an engraved stone hidden behind a layer of plaster on the wall. The stone bore a Roman inscription dating back to the first or second century C.E., written in Latin and reading “CONIVGI ET VALERIAE APRONIAE.”
Historian Roger Tomlin from the University of Oxford believes that the inscription is likely part of an ancient funerary epitaph. In typical Roman funerary inscriptions, the name of the deceased would come first, followed by the name of the dedicatee. The word “Conivgi” in Latin can mean “wife” or “husband,” but the identity of “Valeriae Aproniae” remains a mystery.
The name “Valeria” is common in the western Roman world, particularly in the Maritime Alps region near Vence. Epigraphist Stéphane Morabito notes that several inscriptions or fragments linked to the “Valerii” family have been found in the area. The inscription itself dates back to the Roman Empire’s occupation of France between 100 and 300 C.E. when the Romans annexed the region where Vence is located.
Roman funerary inscriptions are known for their detailed and compassionate nature, often including information about the deceased’s age, profession, and life story. While many inscriptions are longer and more elaborate than the one found in Blais’ studio, they all reflect the human and emotional side of the Roman psyche.
Experts do not plan to remove the stone from the wall but will continue to explore the area for similar archaeological discoveries. Blais, who has been creating art for over 40 years, is celebrated for his unique approach of collecting and painting over found advertisements and newspapers. The discovery of the ancient stone in his studio adds a new layer of meaning to his artistic practice, connecting him to ancient gestures and a sense of fate.
Blais’ process of layering and removing paper to reveal hidden imagery resonates with the uncovering of the Roman inscription in his studio. This unexpected find serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of art and history, blending the past with the present in a seamless and surprising way.
