Fig. 57.—Various Forms of the Constantinian Monogram.
Fig. 58.—“Tasaris in Christ, the First and the Last.”
Frequently the Greek letters Alpha and Omega accompany the monogram, as in numbers 1, 4, and 6 of [Fig. 57], in allusion to the sublime passage in the Revelation
descriptive of the eternity of Christ.[447] Sometimes the order of the letters is reversed, probably through the ignorance of the artist, as in the accompanying rude example, [Fig. 58]. The whole was sometimes placed obliquely, or even turned upside down, doubtless for the same reason. Even in its simplest form it was considered sufficient to give a Christian character to a tombstone which had been originally
pagan. Such inscriptions are called opisthographæ, that is, written behind. In the following example from Aringhi the letters D. M., for the heathen formula DIS MANIBVS,—“To the Divine Manes,” are partially obliterated, and the consecrating sign substituted instead.
Fig. 59.—Opisthographic Inscription.