A carved white marble rectangular capital whose front is in relief decorated with two birds standing on the paws of reclining felines,
    which wrap around the side panels. Affronted animals frequently appear in byzantine sculpture, as they will in Romanesque European art.

    The reverse is carved with a fluted linear rail decoration, meaning that the marble piece was probably taken from a Roman monument,
    and re-used by byzantine sculptors.     Top of column notched for original placement. The capital is designed to be on top of two columns.

    The simple animal style of the carving is a sign of a provincial work, perhaps of the early Byzantine period, as do the absence of a carved background.

    Black-gray surface patina, piece missing from upper portion of reverse, some minor losses, overall excellent condition. Custom wood mount.

    Material : Marble
    Origin : Byzantine Empire
    Provenance :ex.New York Auction Sale - ex. New Jersey private collection
    Period : VI - X c.
    Dimensions : L : 33,6 cm - H : 18 cm - W : 18 cm / 13-1/4"L. x 7"W. x 7"H.

        Ref. : md-036  

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