[Romulus]

The crucifixion painting depicts the Lord wearing the royal colobium, a distinctive feature of Syriac iconography, notably the Rabbala gospels. Many of these paintings date from the 8th century and may have come from the hands of eastern iconographers, refugees from Islam in Palestine and iconoclasm in Constantinople.

Here's a view of the famous "palimpsest" painting: the oldest portion, that of the Virgin enthroned as Seat of Wisdom (arrayed in Byzantine court fashion) dates from the time of Justinian and recalls San Vitale in Ravenna.

[NYer]

Thanks for the history on this piece. Archaeology has always fascinated me. I was most fortunate to travel back and forth to Italy over the span of nearly 20 years (even though I did not go on any digs.) The one city that has always captivated me is Pompeii.