This preromanesque marble frieze is probably an altar piece or a capital abacus. It presents two confronted birds pecking bunches of grapes. This theme, like the one with two birds drinking from the chalice, is typical of early Christian and Byzantine sculpture. The morphology and style of the birds link this sculpture to the first Longobard representations, before their expansion towards southern Italy.
Related works: Chancel of the Basilica of Aquileia, Italy - Chancel Vatican Museum MV.31424.0.0
Bibliography: Corpus della scultura altomedievale CISAM 2018 - Christianity and the animal, a difficult story, Eric Baratay 2011.
Origin: Northern Italy, Longobardia
Medium: Marble
Size: Height 11cm, width 40cm, Depth 17cm
Period: 5th-6th century
Condition: Lunge down
Price: 8 800€
Ref.206