Architrave of a Templon

This marble architrave dates to the 11th century, and it is a fragment from a space in Byzantine churches called the templon, or iconostasis. Its front face features seven columned arches lined up side by side, with cross, palmette, and rhombus motifs within them. The arches each have two faces, and carry stylized capitals, which are supported by spiral columns. Floral motifs can also be seen in the spaces between the arches. It is thought that the sequential arch motif was used in Byzantine art to represent the 12 gates of New Jerusalem. When these motifs are used on sarcophagi, they symbolize the transition from the earthly to the eternal. The palmettes that are also on this architrave represent the tree of life.