Byzantine and Christian Museum :: Permanent exhibition .::. II. The Byzantine World .::. II.2. The age of crisis
Marble pilaster capital (00912)
Exhibition room: II.2 The age of crisis
Date: 7th-8th c.
Dimensions (cm): 37 X45 X 3
Provenance: Nea Anchialos, Magnesia
The pilaster capital was found in the excavation of the atrium of Basilica III at Phthiotic Thebes (now Nea Anchialos, Magnesia). It is decorated with acanthus half-leaves (at the corners), a band of plant ornament (above) and an urn flanked by shoots from which emerge two-headed birds (centre). The placing of emblems between acanthus half-leaves is reminiscent of a similar decorative type from the Late Roman period. This element, combined with the Eastern-inspired emblem of the two-headed birds and the plain carving of the relief, make this pilaster capital from Phthiotic Thebes typical of the sculpture produced in the transitional period sometimes called the 'dark ages'.