Marble slab with cross under arch and palmette

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Marble
Date range: Late 10th - Early 11th century AD
Origin: From Athens (Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre)

This marble closure slab, BXM 968, features a central cross rendered in high relief, which stands beneath a decorative arch formed by a band of relief carving. The cross is large and occupies the majority of the vertical space. At the junction of the cross's arms are two prominent, stylized rosettes or flowers. The lower vertical arm of the cross is flanked by two large, stylized palmette or feather-like leaves, which point downwards.

The semi-circular arch above the cross is adorned with repeating floral or circular motifs, and is flanked by two smaller rosettes or discs at its base. The overall style is highly decorative, typical of Byzantine architectural decoration from the Late 10th to Early 11th century AD. The origin is specified as Athens, specifically the Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre (a dependency of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem). This slab would have functioned as a panel in a church's chancel screen (templon), providing both a symbolic and physical barrier between the sanctuary and the nave.

Museum label reference: Marble closure slab decorated with relief cross under an arch. From Athens (Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre). Late 10th-early 11th c.

Original Text: Μαρμάρινο θωράκιο με ανάγλυφο σταυρό κάτω από αψίδα. Από την Αθήνα (Μετόχι Παναγίου Τάφου). Τέλη 10ου-αρχές 11ου αι. BXM 968

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Marble closure slab decorated with relief cross under an arch, from Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre

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Source:  Athens, Greece