Marble slab with foliate banded cross and rosettes

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Marble
Date range: 11th century AD
Origin: Unknown

This marble closure slab features a central, elongated cross in relief, decorated with a combination of banded and foliate elements. The cross dominates the vertical space of the slab. Two prominent, stylized rosettes or eight-petalled flowers are carved in relief in the upper quadrants of the slab, flanking the vertical arm of the cross. The arms of the cross itself are bordered by a continuous band, and leaves or vine-like elements sprout from the cross arms and stem.

In the lower portion of the slab, the vertical stem of the cross is flanked by intricate, stylized foliage and possibly pomegranate or pine cone motifs, rendered with curving, interlacing lines. The decoration exhibits a simplified, yet elegant style, characteristic of Byzantine architectural decoration from the 11th century AD. This slab, identified as BXM 1058, would have functioned as a screen panel, likely part of a chancel barrier (templon) in a church, symbolically separating the altar area from the nave.

Museum label reference: Marble closure slab decorated with relief foliate banded cross and rosettes. 11th c.

Original Text: Μαρμάρινο θωράκιο με ανάγλυφη διακόσμηση από ταιvιωτό φυλλοφόρο σταυρό και ροδάκες. 11ος αι. ΒΧΜ 1058

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Marble closure slab decorated with relief foliate banded cross and rosettes

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