Marble relief with cross and arrows

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Marble
Date range: 6th century AD
Origin: Athens

This image is a close-up of a square or rectangular fragment of a marble closure slab (pluteus or thorakion), featuring deep relief carving. The central decoration is contained within a raised rectangular border.

The relief includes:

• Central Cross/Wreath: A four-armed cross is inscribed within a thick, raised circular border, resembling a wreath.

• Suspended Cross: A smaller cross is positioned directly above the circular motif, appearing to be suspended from it.

• Interlaced Bands and Arrows: Two undulating ribbons or bands emerge from the bottom of the central motif, loop together at the base, and terminate in stylized arrowheads that point upwards towards the sides of the central circle.

• Decorative Style: The overall design is described as having relief decoration of an interlaced band combined with crosses.

This marble slab is dated to the 6th century and originates from Athens.

Museum label reference: Marble closure slab with relief decoration of interlaced band combined with crosses. From Athens. 6th c.

Original Text: Μαρμάρινο θωράκιο με ανάγλυφη διακόσμηση από ταινιατωτό πλέγμα συνδυασμένο με σταυρούς. Από την Αθήνα. 6ος αι.

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Marble closure slab (pluteus) fragment with relief cross and interlace decoration from 6th century Athens

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Source:  Athens, Greece