An Early Christian Fresco from Štrbinci near Đakovo

Abstract

The article describes an early Christian fresco discovered in 1991 at the site of Štrbinci near Đakovo (probably Roman Certissa), analyzes its style and iconographic symbolism, and places it in an archaeological and historical context. The fresco shows two facing peacocks flanking a vase, a Christogram, suns and stars in the interspaces, and is framed with a latticed ribbon. It is interpreted as an allegory of salvation and resurrection, of eternal life. On the basis of style, theme and archaeological context, the fresco is dated to the third quarter of the fourth century, and defined as the work of a local master.