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Relief with Praying Figures Flanked by Jackals

Culture Roman
Origin possibly Egypt
Title Relief with Praying Figures Flanked by Jackals
Date 200–400 CE
Medium Limestone
Dimensions Object: 8 1/4 × 8 3/4 in. (21 × 22.2 cm)
Overall: 8 1/4 × 8 3/4 in. (21 × 22.2 cm)
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Julian Bobbs, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 62.230

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About this Work

Multicultural influences were especially evident during the early Byzantine period in Egypt, which is often identified as Coptic. During this time, Egypt maintained connections to its ancient roots as the land of pharaohs and pyramids, but was also shaped by Hellenistic Greek ideas, the Roman Empire, Arab merchants, and the development of Christianity. Motifs were often shared among the various traditions. The prayerful pose with uplifted arms was frequently used in Christian imagery, but it also appeared in other religious contexts.

This limestone funerary relief, for instance, may depict followers of the Egyptian god Anubis.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Relief with Praying Figures Flanked by Jackals | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=62.230