Un intaglio ligneo altomedievale proveniente da Spalato

The subject of the article is an early medieval relief from the town of Split that was once in possession of J. Strzygowski and was first published long time ago. It was forgotten since and its destiny and present location ase unknown. Being made of wood, the relief is considered as an exceptional monument of the Middle Ages in Dalmatia, but such findings are equeally rare elsewhere. Its carving technique and stylistic characteristics define it as a high quality work influenced by middle-Byzantine art and inspired by textile motifs. An icon depicting Mary and Christ painted on its back side, atributed to the “Split painting school” from the second half of the 13^th c., ads to its value. Considering historical and other circumstances of the medieval Split, the relief can be dated in the second half of the 11^th century. It is assumed that it was originally a part of the wooden doors of the southern portal of the Split cathedral.