Capital with a Pattern of Vines with Grapes

Unknown

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

The cuplike shape and interlaced decoration covering this column capital are characteristic of innovations in architectural sculpture in sixth-century Byzantium. The freshness of the style becomes clear when this capital is compared to the one on the nearby pedestal, which has a more traditional shape and decoration. The rectangular slots on two sides of the capital may have held wooden screens (a common feature of church sanctuaries) that fit between adjacent columns.

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th–7th century

Medium

Limestone; carved in relief

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1910