Frieze with Acanthus Vines, Birds, Crosses, and a Human Face
Unknown Artist
5th–6th century
Medium
Limestone; carved in relief
Dimensions
H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm) W. 3/8 in. (1 cm) D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1910
Accession Number
10.176.36
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate limestone frieze, carved in low relief during the 5th–6th century, showcases a harmonious blend of natural and symbolic motifs: flowing acanthus vines, graceful, Christian crosses, and a stylized human face. Measuring just 7⅞ inches high and remarkably thin at ⅜ inch, it exemplifies the precision of ancient stone carving techniques, where skilled artisans chiseled intricate details into durable limestone to create architectural decorations, likely for a church, synagogue, or elite building. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Islamic Art (acquired via the Ro...