Relief plates from the baptistery in Split: current issues in its study

Research on the relief plates from Split's baptistery reveals that six marble slabs, likely originating from either the Split cathedral or St. Peter and Moses church, depict significant figures with historical and liturgical implications. The study identifies two prominent candidates for the seated figure—a ruler—Croatian king Peter Kreshimir IV or king Dimitar Zvonimir, reflecting the political dynamics of the 11th century. Notably, the standing figure's missing scroll and erased inscription suggest alterations over time, possibly linked to changing liturgical practices amid shifting Byzantine and Western influences. Stylistic analysis further connects these plates to regional architectural trends, offering insights into the cultural and historical context of the period.

Voronova, A. (2024). Relief plates from the baptistery in Split: current issues in its study. St. Tikhons’ University Review. Series V. Christian Art, 53, 9–35. https://doi.org/10.15382/sturv202453.9-35