Reconstruction of a panel from a chance screen

A highly intricate and detailed piece of decorative art, a fragment from a panel chance screen. The design is centered on a geometric and interlacing pattern, a central cross, interlaced vines, and rosette motif. At the very heart of the circular carving is a simple cross with equal arms. | barrier plate | Panel from a chance screen | Egypt, 6th century | limestone The plate might have been part a parapet in a church the room for lay people and priests separated from each other. | Acquired in 1904 | Museum of Byzantine Art Inv. 4711