Christ and Young Nubian Ruler

The portrait of a young Nubian with Christ was found on the pillar of the eastern bay of the southern aisle, where men gathered to pray during liturgy. The painting could have been commissioned by the royal governor, holding the title of the ‘Eparch of Nobadia’ who resided in Faras. The high social status and generosity shown to the cathedral entitled him to have his own portrait painted just next to the sanctuary. The dark-skinned barefaced juvenile wearing a helmet crowned with a crescent, wearing sumptuous, patterned garments and a golden cross around his neck stands in the pose of an orans, raising his hands in prayer.