Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History



  • Tomb Plaque, 400–800
    Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain
    Terracotta

    12 3/4 x 8 7/16 x 2 1/16 in. (32.4 x 21.4 x 5.2 cm)
    Inscribed: BRACA RIVI/VASCUM TUIS
    Gift of John Crosby Brown Moore, 1985 (1985.147)

    This plaque is thought to be a cover for a niche in a columbarium, or communal tomb. The Christogram--the monogram for Christ's name formed from the first two letters of his name in Greek (x and p), identifies the deceased as Christian. Scholars debate the meaning of the inscription in Latin, which may be a prayer for the deceased.

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    On view: Gallery 301
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    Tomb Plaque, 400–800
    Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain
    Terracotta

    12 3/4 x 8 7/16 x 2 1/16 in. (32.4 x 21.4 x 5.2 cm)
    Inscribed: BRACA RIVI/VASCUM TUIS
    Gift of John Crosby Brown Moore, 1985 (1985.147)


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