Relief Panel with Two Griffins Drinking from a Cup

Unknown

late 9th–early 10th century · Marble, polychromy · Medieval Art

The mythical griffin, a creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, often appeared in Christian contexts. The representation of two confronted griffins is derived from ancient Near Eastern art, and the composition of this relief was probably based on imported textile designs. Another panel in Sorrento depicts griffins in a similar style, suggesting both came from the Old Cathedral there. They probably were part of the choir screen, the partition separating the altar area from the rest of the church.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 9th–early 10th century

Medium

Marble, polychromy

Culture

South Italian

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1930