ChX002
Early Christian terracotta stamp depicting Christ or King David as Orpheus, playing the harp before the animals
Early Byzantine Period: 4th - 7th century AD.
Diameter: 9.3 cm. (3 5/8 in.)
a chip on the left side, otherwise perfect. Including molded silicon impression. Mounted.
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The round terracotta stamp depicts a harp-player seated on a rock, surrounded by animals of different kinds. The scene is incised (-intaglio) in the flat terracotta, framed by an incised frame. The other side of the stamp is concave.
In the Early Byzantine Art the image of Orpheus, the legendary harp-player from the Classical Mythology, represented Christ himself, and King David.
In a floor mosaic from an Early Christian Chapel in Jerusalem, near Damascus Gate, of 6th century AD, Orpheus is depicted symbolizing Christ, who overcame the evil manners of man, as Orpheus overcame the wild animals by playing the harp.
In fresco from the Synagogue of Dura Europos, of 3rd century AD, Orpheus is depicted, representing King David.
In the mosaic floor from the Synagogue of Gaza, 509 AD, Orpheus is depicted representing King David and the name “David” in Hebrew appears next to his head.
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