Funerary Stele with Chi-Rho and Alpha and Omega

Art Historical Context

This striking funerary stele, carved in low relief from sandstone, served as a tomb marker in the 7th–8th century, a time of profound cultural transition following the Arab conquests. just 18½ inches tall and 10⅝ inches wide, its compact form belies its spiritual depth. At its center dominates the Chi-Rho, an ancient Christogram formed by superimposing the Greek letters chi (Χ) and rho (Ρ)—the first two of "Christos"—symbolizing Jesus as the triumphant savior. Flanking it are the Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω), the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, drawn from the Book of Revelation to evo...