Funerary Stele with Architectural Frame

Unknown

6th–7th century · Limestone; carved in relief and painted · Islamic Art

Funerary stelae from the Byzantine period in Egypt, carved in stone and usually painted, were permanent monuments to the deceased. While normally embedded in walls or floors near the tomb, some were part of larger structures. Their decorations include scenes of paradise and symbols of the Christian Church. This example, said to be from the Upper Nile Delta town of Armant, bears the name of a prominent citizen who was buried near the marker.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–7th century

Medium

Limestone; carved in relief and painted

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1936