Column fragment - Italy, 7th-8th centuries

This magnificent column fragment features motifs characteristic of Lombard art from the 7th and 8th centuries.
Lombard art characterizes artistic production from the 7th to the 9th-10th centuries, introduced by the Germanic peoples who invaded northern Italy in the 7th century.
This production, marked by a Germanic influence, incorporates Byzantine elements that are particularly visible in its ornamentation. The latter is characterized by rich symbolism, phytomorphic decorations (i.e., objects or structures with a plant-like or zoomorphic appearance), and a characteristic horror vacui.
The column fragment we are interested in here corresponds closely to this type of artistic production. The numerous vertical friezes feature palmette and acanthus leaf motifs in an intertwining pattern that leaves no empty space.
This fragment can be compared to an 8th-century column shaft from the Church of San Salvatore in Brescia, which has similar decorations and layout.
This column fragment is therefore a characteristic expression of the Lombard iconographic tradition, as demonstrated by its ornamental foliage reminiscent of Byzantine art.