Fragment of an Inscribed Stele with Three Crosses
Unknown Artist
6th–7th century
Medium
Limestone; incised
Dimensions
H. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm) W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm) D. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1910
Accession Number
10.175.130
Art Historical Context
This intriguing fragment of an inscribed limestone stele, dating to the 6th–7th century, offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural transitions of late antiquity in the Near East Carved with three prominent crosses and accompanying inscriptions, it likely served as part of a funerary or commemorative monument, a common use for such stelae in early Christian communities. Measuring just 15 3/4 inches high, 12 1/4 inches wide, and 3/8 inches deep, its modest scale belies its historical weight, acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Rogers Fund in 1910. The incised techniqu...