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Fragment of a Marble Sarcophagus

8th century (?)
Not on view
The monogram of Christ along with the Greek letters alpha and omega, referring to Christ as the beginning and end of all things, were common motifs on Christian tombstones. This piece—like several others from this region—oddly displays the alpha and omega upside down, probably a mistake on the part of the non-Greek-speaking sculptor.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment of a Marble Sarcophagus
  • Date: 8th century (?)
  • Geography: Made in Southwestern France
  • Culture: Frankish
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Overall: 16 1/2 x 29 1/4 in. (41.9 x 74.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Stone
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.120.590
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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