Parthian/Late Roman Foundation Stone

Period: 3rd-5th century A.D.

Material: Serpentine

Dimensions: 17.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 5 cm

Price: Reserved

Ref: 6021

Provenance: Belgium collection JVB, prior private collection in s'Hertogenbosch, acquired between 1980/1990.

Condition: Broken and professionally reassembled.

Description: Double-sided sculptured stone. One side depicts a winged lion facing to the right. Probably Parthian. The other side depicts two doves facing each other, possibly symbolizing a matrimonial connection. Late Roman, early Byzantine. This extraordinary stone was worked on twice in two different time periods. Initially it may be used as a Parthian foundation stone, possibly for a temple. Later on it was reused by the conquerors, the reverse reworked and - likely- served as a wedding gift.

Culture: Parthia/late Roman