Ciborium Columns Self-researched

Location: Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice
Medium: Oriental alabaster with bas-relief carvings
Date: 13th century

Biblical Context

Madonna and Child - The columns depict episodes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Four ornately carved alabaster columns supporting the ciborium (altar canopy) over the high altar. The columns contain 108 bas-relief scenes depicting episodes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary, carved in a style that blends Byzantine and Western influences. Among the most intricate relief carvings in the basilica.