Adam and Eve

On one plaque, Adam raises his right hand; on the other, Eve is about to grasp the fruit of knowledge. These plaques depict the theme of original sin. Traces of ancient fastenings indicate that they were likely part of a casket, probably dedicated to the cycle of Genesis.

Both plaques were produced in Byzantium. The Greek letters indicating the figures, their hieratic posture and the styling of the whole enable a date around the year 1000 to be put forward.