Vintage Postcard 1972 Lambs Bird Basilica San Vitale Ravenna Italy Byzantine Art

Social History: Mailed to Miss D Hofman in Edinburgh, Scotland, the personal note captures a moment of traveler’s fatigue and cultural appreciation:

"Sunday. I seem to have been in trains & stations for days! — Hope it accomplishes something positive. Your mohair jacket WONDERFUL!"

Scene: Magnificent detail of early Christian art: a carved Byzantine capital and its decorative pulvino (impost block) from the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

The relief carving on the pulvino features two lambs facing a central golden cross. This early Christian motif symbolizes the faithful seeking salvation. Interestingly, their stylized, slender proportions often lead viewers to remark that they resemble small horses.

Above the arch, a beautiful mosaic depicts two birds perched on an ornate fruit basket, representing abundance and the paradise of the afterlife

Postal: A circular date stamp from Birmingham, England, dated 7 Feb 1972, and a distinct blue souvenir handstamp from the Basilica in Ravenna. These courtesy marks were common for 1970s travelers to verify their visit to the site.

Era: Early 1970s

Size: Continental 6 x 4"

Type: DA FOTOCOLOR EKTACHROME — Riproduzione Vietata (Reproduction Prohibited)

Publisher: Ediz. Salberoli — Ravenna

Condition: Minor corner bumping, light age toning.

This is an authentic vintage item. Use the zoom tool to inspect the photos for a detailed view of the condition.