3 Coptic ivory; Apollo and Daphne. Sixth century.
The subject is wholly classical and the treatment
mainly so. It was probably carved at Alexandria
where the classical style long survived

conception, and the various structures that survive outside Alexandria
are of little interest aesthetically. The best work was done in Alex-
andria itself, and is represented by a number of stone sculptures
found on the spot and a few ivory carvings which have been
associated with the city on the evidence of style.

The ivories are the most important from the artistic point of view,
and in Alexandria itself classical themes and a certain degree of
classical elegance continued in art for quite a considerable time after
the adoption of Christianity. A plaque at Ravenna bearing Apollo
and Daphne ( Ill. 3 ) serves to prove this, for the style is classical and
the theme belongs to pagan mythology. It is to be dated to the late
fifth, or early sixth century.

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