Coll. Landau-Finaly, Firenze (Sestieri, Roma)

Altar front from Constantinople or Ravenna. The decoration is similar to the decoration of Early Byzantine sarcophagi. It includes both architectural forms (arches, pediments and columns) and symbols relating to salvation and eternal life (scallop shells, lambs, palms and crosses). The small window between the central columns probably once allowed the faithful to contemplate a reliquary placed inside.