STONE

The “Crypta Balbi” exhibits a variation of objects from the Roman age. Architectonical and decorative motives are much observed on stone materials. Roman craftsmen ornamented their buildings, temples and other types of edifices with symbols, vegetation patterns and in general abstract forms.

The collection holds a considerable selection of marbles, which belonged to fallen walls or buildings in general.  One example that could simplify what the exhibit, referring to stone, shows is one of the many “Screen Panels” carved on the end of the 8^th Century beginning of the 9^th Century. The picture shows us the accuracy in the detail of the geometric forms they present. Moreover, similar to vegetation forms, these round forms intertwined with straighter lines create a dynamic and rhythmic pattern. The screen panel is divided in two and between both there is symmetry. 

Another example is also a “Screen Plan” derived from the 6^th Century Chancel Screens and belongs to the first quarter of the 9^th Century. However, the marble and composition of this piece of art is not completely conserved, yet it shows interesting decoration patterns. The composition is based on geometrical and vegetative elements. Two squares tangled surrounded by flowery forms. On the inside a cross, each of its ends carved as if it was Greek Ionic order capitals, over another floral – like cross creating a star shape of eight.