On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Fragment of a Four-Sided Stela
Not on view
The images on this stela reflect the effort of the first Armenian Christians to describe their new religion through art. The two birds holding a wreath and flying toward an image of the Virgin and Child in a separate zone are difficult to interpret. Wreaths were a symbol of martyrdom and salvation to early Christians, thus the scene may represent the promise of salvation for Christ’ s followers through his birth, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
