| The bust of Christ with a crossed nimbus enclosed
within a floral garland carried by two winged angels
in flight. To the left is a bust of the martyr Saint
Selbane, haloed. The text is Coptic.
This fresco, which deserves special admiration, was
discovered in 1976 in the Monastery of Apollo at Bawit.
The head of Christ is set against a jeweled cross; his
elongated face narrows sharply towards the chin. His
hair falls in long, waved tresses over his shoulders.
He has a short beard and a drooping moustache. Slight
shading beneath the wide eyes make them appear deep
set, with thick eyebrows arching above. The mouth is
unnaturally small. The two angels carrying the garland
are depicted in full flight. To the left is the
"Angel of the Lord", and to the right the
"Angle of God"; Christ is labeled the "Saviour".
The appearance of the martyr Selbane, depicted haloed
within a medallion, in the same lunette may be taken
as evidence of the veneration shown by Coptic monks to
martyrs. This piece dates to the 6th or 7th
century. |