Marble slab with braided cross and floral crosses

Material: Marble
Date range: 11th century AD
Origin: From Athens

This marble closure slab, BXM 970, features a central vertical braided cross in high relief. The cross is formed by two columns of deeply carved, intertwining strands. The horizontal arm of the cross is also composed of a dense, symmetrical knotwork band. The relief carving is well-preserved, showcasing the crisp detail of the interwoven pattern, which is a common decorative motif in Byzantine art.

The central cross divides the slab into four quadrants, each containing a distinct circular motif. The two upper quadrants feature relief carvings of smaller, elaborate interlaced crosses, rendered in a stylized, almost floral pattern. The two lower quadrants contain geometric designs of a multi-pointed star or rosette within a circle. The slab likely functioned as a part of a chancel screen (templon) in a church, symbolically separating the sacred sanctuary from the main nave. The overall composition is highly symmetrical and decorative, typical of 11th-century AD work from Athens.

Museum label reference: Marble closure slab with relief interlaced cross. From Athens. 11th c.

Original Text: Μαρμάρινο θωράκιο με ανάγλυφο πλεκτό σταυρό. Από την Αθήνα. 11ος αι. BXM 970

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