Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 8th to 10th century CE. A carved limestone stele, probably the upper part of a grave marker, of an overall arched form. On one side are three relief human figures, two seated on either side of an emperor, bishop, or other elite member of society, who stands, his hands raised as if in blessing over the other two. On the obverse is a rectangular face with three lines of Greek text, unfortunately no longer legible. Each letter is painted with what appears to be dark red. Some traces of dark red paint are also found on the lower parts of the figures' garments. Size: 7.3" W x 5.75" H (18.5 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 277-278, Munich, Germany, lot 560

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#132870

Piece is a fragment as shown, but all three figures are present and in nice condition, with good remaining detail on their clothing. One of the three has been reattached to the other two. Letters on the obverse are visible but not legible.