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Roundel with Christogram
Roundel with Christogram
- Collection ID
- ATQ.000006
- Type
- Antiquity
- Date
- Late 5th–6th century AD
- Geography
- Unknown
- Language
- Greek
- Medium
- Marble
- Dimensions
- 23.6 in. (60 cm) diameter
- Exhibit Location
- On View in The History of the Bible, The Written Tradition
This roundel is carved in high relief in a style that is eye-catching and meant to be seen from a distance. It likely once adorned the exterior of an early church and would have been part of a larger design. The central medallion consists of a Christogram, an early symbol merging the first two letters of the word Christ in Greek, Χ (chi) and Ρ (rho). In the spaces between the left and right arms of the chi, are two additional Greek letters, α (alpha) and ω (omega). A laurel wreath surrounds the central medallion, and this is further surrounded by a vine motif consisting of alternating ivy and grape leaves.
This roundel is carved in high relief in a style that is eye-catching and meant to be seen from a distance. It likely once adorned the exterior of an early church and would have been part of a larger design. The central medallion consists of a Christogram, an early symbol merging the first two letters of the word Christ in Greek, Χ (chi) and Ρ (rho). In the spaces between the left and right arms of the chi, are two additional Greek letters, α (alpha) and ω (omega). A laurel wreath surrounds the central medallion, and this is further surrounded by a vine motif consisting of alternating ivy and grape leaves.
Created in the late 5th–6th century AD. Acquired in the 1930s by S. Benzaquen, Gibraltar. By descent in the Benzaquen family until the 1960s. Acquired before 2017 by Ariadne Galleries, London; Purchased in 2017 by Museum of the Bible.
Created in the late 5th–6th century AD. Acquired in the 1930s by S. Benzaquen, Gibraltar. By descent in the Benzaquen family until the 1960s. Acquired before 2017 by Ariadne Galleries, London; Purchased in 2017 by Museum of the Bible.
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